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LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
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LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
HER
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EDITED BY
EDNAH D. CHENEY
BOSTON
ROBERTS BROTHERS
1890
Copyright, 1889,
BY J. S. P. ALCOTT.
UNIVERSITY PRESS:
JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
9.5
TO
MRS. ANNA B. PRATT,
THE SOLE SURVIVING SISTER OF LOUISA M. ALCOTT, AND HER
NEVER-FAILING HELP, COMFORTER, AND FRIEND
FROM BIRTH TO DEATH,
(€fr$ IBemoir
IS RESPECTFULLY AND TENDERLY DEDICATED,
BY
EDNAH D. CHENEY.
JAMAICA PLAIN,
June. 1889.
481
INTRODUCTION.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT is universally recog
nized as the greatest and most popular
story-teller for children in her generation. She
has known the way to the hearts of young people,
not only in her own class, or even country, but in
every condition of life, and in many foreign lands.
Plato says, " Beware of those who teach fables to
children ; " and it is impossible to estimate the in
fluence which the popular writer of fiction has
over the audience he wins to listen to his tales.
The preacher, the teacher, the didactic writer find
their audience in hours of strength, with critical
faculties all alive, to question their propositions and
refute their arguments. The novelist comes to us
in the intervals of recreation and relaxation, and by
his seductive powers of imagination and sentiment
takes possession of the fancy and the heart before
judgment and reason are aroused to defend the
citadel. It well becomes us, then, who would
iv Introduction.
guard young minds from subtle temptations, to
study the character of those works which charm
and delight the children.
Of no author can it be more truly said than
of Louisa Alcott that her works are a revelation
of herself. She rarely sought for the material of
her stories in old chronicles, or foreign adven
tures. Her capital was her own life and experi
ences and those of others directly about her ; and
her own well-remembered girlish frolics and fan
cies were sure to find responsive enjoyment in the
minds of other girls.
It is therefore impossible to understand Miss
Alcott's works fully without a knowledge of her
own life and experiences. By inheritance and
education she had rich and peculiar gifts ; and her
life was one of rare advantages, as well as of trying
difficulties. Herself of the most true and frank
nature, she has given us the opportunity of know
ing her without disguise ; and it is thus that I shall
try to portray her, showing what influences acted
upon her through life, and how faithfully and fully
she performed whatever duties circumstances laid
upon her. Fortunately I can let her speak mainly
for herself.
Miss Alcott revised her journals at different times
during her later life, striking out what was too per
sonal for other eyes than her own, and destroying
a great deal which would doubtless have proved
very interesting.
Introduction. v
The small number of letters given will undoubt
edly be a disappointment. Miss Alcott wished to
have most of her letters destroyed, and her sister
respected her wishes. She was not a voluminous
correspondent; she did not encourage many in
timacies, and she seldom wrote letters except to
her family, unless in reference to some purpose
she had strongly at heart. Writing was her con
stant occupation, and she was not tempted to in
dulge in it as a recreation. Her letters are brief,
and strictly to the point, but always characteristic
in feeling and expression ; and, even at the risk of
the repetition of matter contained in her journals
or her books, I shall give copious extracts from
such as have come into my hands.
E. D. C.
JAMAICA PLAIN, Mass., 1889.
iv Introduction.
guard young minds from subtle temptations, to
study the character of those works which charm
and delight the children.
Of no author can it be more truly said than
of Louisa Alcott that her works are a revelation
of herself. She rarely sought for the material of
her stories in old chronicles, or foreign adven
tures. Her capital was her own life and experi
ences and those of others directly about her ; and
her own well-remembered girlish frolics and fan
cies were sure to find responsive enjoyment in the
minds of other girls.
It is therefore impossible to understand Miss
Alcott's works fully without a knowledge of her
own life and experiences. By inheritance and
education she had rich and peculiar gifts ; and her
life was one of rare advantages, as well as of trying
difficulties. Herself of the most true and frank
nature, she has given us the opportunity of know
ing her without disguise ; and it is thus that I shall
try to portray her, showing what influences acted
upon her through life, and how faithfully and fully
she performed whatever duties circumstances laid
upon her. Fortunately I can let her speak mainly
for herself.
Miss Alcott revised her journals at different times
during her later life, striking out what was too per
sonal for other eyes than her own, and destroying
a great deal which would doubtless have proved
very interesting.
Introduction. v
The small number of letters given will undoubt
edly be a disappointment. Miss Alcott wished to
have most of her letters destroyed, and her sister
respected her wishes. She was not a voluminous
correspondent; she did not encourage many in
timacies, and she seldom wrote letters except to
her family, unless in reference to some purpose
she had strongly at heart. Writing was her con
stant occupation, and she was not tempted to in
dulge in it as a recreation. Her letters are brief,
and strictly to the point, but always characteristic
in feeling and expression ; and, even at the risk of
the repetition of matter contained in her journals
or her books, I shall give copious extracts from
such as have come into my hands.
E. D. C.
JAMAICA PLAIN, Mass., 1889.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
INTRODUCTION iii
CHAPTER.
I. GENEALOGY AND PARENTAGE n
II. CHILDHOOD 16
III. FRUITLANDS 32
IV. THE SENTIMENTAL PERIOD 56
V. AUTHORSHIP 75
VI. THE YEAR OF GOOD LUCK no
VII. "HOSPITAL SKETCHES" 136
VIII. EUROPE, AND "LITTLE WOMEN" .... 170
IX. EUROPE 204
X. FAMILY CHANGES 263
XI. LAST YEARS 329
XII. CONCLUSION 387
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGH
PORTRAIT OF Miss ALCOTT Frontispiece
Photogravure by A. W. Elson & Co., from a photograph by
Notman (negative destroyed), taken in 1883. The fac
simile of her writing is an extract from a letter to her
publisher, written from her hospital retreat a few weeks
previous to her death.
ORCHARD HOUSE ("APPLE SLUMP"), CONCORD,
MASS., THE HOME OF THE ALCOTTS, 1858 TO
1878 93
Engraved by John Andrew & Son Co., from a photograph.
PORTRAIT OF Miss ALCOTT 140
Photogravure by A. W. Elson & Co., from a photograph
taken just previous to her going to Washington as a hospi
tal nurse, in 1862.
FAC-SIMILE OF Miss ALCOTT'S WRITING .... 362
Extract from a letter to her publisher, January, 1886.
FAC-SIMILE OF PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION OF
" A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES," NOW FIRST
PRINTED 380
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT.
CHAPTER I.
GENEALOGY AND PARENTAGE.
TO LOUISA MAY ALCOTT.
BY HER FATHER.
WHEN I remember with what buoyant heart,
Midst war's alarms and woes of civil strife,
In youthful eagerness thou didst depart,
At peril of thy safety, peace, and life,
To nurse the wounded soldier, swathe the dead, —
How pierced soon by fever's poisoned dart,
And brought unconscious home, with wildered head,
Thou ever since 'mid langour and dull pain,
To conquer fortune, cherish kindred dear,
Hast with grave studies vexed a sprightly brain,
In myriad households kindled love and cheer,
Ne'er from thyself by Fame's loud trump beguiled,
Sounding in this and the farther hemisphere, —
I press thee to my heart as Duty's faithful child.
T OUISA ALCOTT was the second child of
.L/ Amos Bronson and Abba May Alcott. This
name was spelled Alcocke in English history.
About 1616 a coat-of-arms was granted to Thomas
Alcocke of Silbertoft, in the county of Leicester.
The device represents three cocks, emblematic of
watchfulness ; and the motto is Semper Vigilans.
12 Louisa May Alcott.
The first of the name appearing in English his
tory is John Alcocke of Beverley, Yorkshire, of
whom Fuller gives an account in his Worthies
of England.
Thomas and George Alcocke were the first of
the name among the settlers in New England.
The name is frequently found in the records of
Dorchester and Roxbury, and has passed through
successive changes to its present form.
The name of Bronson came from Mr. Alcott's
maternal grandfather, the sturdy Capt. Amos Bron
son of Plymouth, Conn. " His ancestors on both
sides had been substantial people of respectable
position in England, and were connected with the
founders and governors of the chief New England
colonies. At the time of Mr. Alcott's birth they
had become simple farmers, reaping a scanty living
from their small farms in Connecticut."
Amos Bronson Alcott, the father of Louisa, was
born Nov. 29, 1799, at the foot of Spindle Hill, in
the region called New Connecticut. He has him
self given in simple verse the story of his quaint
rustic life in his boyhood, and Louisa has repro
duced it in her story of " Eli's Education " (in the
Spinning- Wheel Stories), which gives a very true
account of his youthful life and adventures. He
derived his refined, gentle nature from his mother,
who had faith m her son, and who lived to see him
the accomplished scholar he had vowed to become
in his boyhood. Although brought up in these
rustic surroundings, his manners were always those
of a true gentleman. The name of the little moun
tain town afterward became Wolcott, and Louisa
Genealogy and Parentage. 13
records in her journal a pilgrimage made thither in
after years.1
Louisa Alcott's mother was a daughter of Col.
Joseph May of Boston. This family is so well
known that it is hardly necessary to repeat its
genealogy here.2 She was a sister of Samuel J.
May, for many years pastor of the Unitarian church
at Syracuse, who was so tenderly beloved by men
of all religious persuasions in his home, and so
widely known and respected for his courage and
zeal in the Antislavery cause, as well as for his
many philanthropic labors.
Mrs. Alcott's mother was Dorothy Sewall, a de
scendant of that family already distinguished in the
annals of the Massachusetts colony, and which has
lost nothing of its reputation for ability and virtue
in its latest representatives.3
Mrs. Alcott inherited in large measure the traits
which distinguished her family. She was a woman
of large stature, fine physique, and overflowing life.
Her temper was as quick and warm as her affec
tions, but she was full of broad unselfish generosity.
Her untiring energies were constantly employed,
not only for the benefit of her family, but for all
1 For further particulars of the Alcott genealogy, see "New
Connecticut," a poem by A. B. Alcott, published in 1887. I am
also indebted to Mr. F. B. Sanborn's valuable paper read at the
memorial service at Concord in 1888.
2 For particulars of the genealogy of the May families, see
" A Genealogy of the Descendants of John May," who came from
England to Roxbirry in America, 1640. •
3 For the Sewall family, see " Drake's History of Boston," or
fuller accounts in the Sewall Papers published by the Massachu
setts Historical Society.
14 Louisa May Alcott.
around her. She had a fine mind, and if she did
not have large opportunities for scholastic instruc
tion, she always enjoyed the benefit of intellectual
society and converse with noble minds. She loved
expression in writing, and her letters are full of wit
and humor, keen criticism, and noble moral senti
ments. Marriage with an idealist, who had no
means of support, brought her many trials and pri
vations. She bore them heroically, never wavering
in affection for her husband or in devotion to her
children. If the quick, impatient temper some
times relieved itself in hasty speech, the action was
always large and unselfish.
It will be apparent from Louisa's life that she
inherited the traits of both her parents, and that
the uncommon powers of mind and heart that dis
tinguished her were not accidental, but the accu
mulated result of the lives of generations of strong
and noble men and women.
She was well born.
Mr. Alcott to Colonel May.
GERMANTOWN, Nov. 29, 183*.
DEAR SIR, — It is with great pleasure that I announce
to you the birth of a second daughter. She was born at
half- past 12 this morning, on my birthday (33), and is
a very fine healthful child, much more so than Anna was
at birth, — has a fine foundation for health and energy of
character. Abba is very comfortable, and will soon be
restored to the discharge of those domestic and maternal
duties in which she takes so much delight, and in the
performance of which she furnishes so excellent a model
Genealogy and Parentage. 15
for imitation. Those only who have seen her in those
relations, much as there is in her general character to
admire and esteem, can form a true estimate of her per
sonal worth and uncommon devotion of heart. She was
formed for domestic sentiment rather than the gaze and
heardessness of what is falsely called " society." Abba
inclines to call the babe Louisa May, — a name to her
full ov every association connected with amiable benevo
lence and exalted worth. I hope its present possessor
may rise to equal attainment, and deserve a place in the
estimation of society.
With Abba's and Anna's and Louisa's regards, allow
me to assure you of the sincerity with which I am
Yours,
A. BRONSON ALCOTT.
The children who lived to maturity were —
ANNA BRONSON ALCOTT,
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT,
ELIZABETH SEWALL ALCOTT,
ABBA MAY ALCOTT.
CHAPTER II.
CHILDHOOD.
TO THE FIRST ROBIN, l
WELCOME, welcome, little stranger,
Fear no harm, and fear no danger ;
We are glad to see you here, •
For you sing " Sweet Spring is near."
Now the white snow melts away ;
Now the flowers blossom gay :
Come dear bird and build your nest,
For we love our robin best.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT.
CONCORD.
MR. ALCOTT had removed to Germantown,
Penn, to take charge of a school, and here
Louisa was born, Nov. 29, 1832. She was the
second daughter, and was welcomed with the same
pride and affection as her elder sister had been.
We have this pleasant little glimpse of her when
she was hardly a month old, from the pen of one
of her mother's friends. Even at that extremely
early age love saw the signs of more than usual
intelligence, and friends as well as fond parents
looked forward to a promising career.
1 Written at eight years of age.
Childhood. 17
Extract from a Letter by Miss Donaldson.
GERMANTOWN, PENN., Dec. 16, 1832.
I HAVE a dear little pet in Mrs. Alcott's little Louisa.
It is the prettiest, best little thing in the world. You
will wonder to hear me call anything so young pretty,
but it is really so in an uncommon degree ; it has a fair
complexion, dark bright eyes, long dark hair, a high fore
head, and altogether a countenance of more than usual
intelligence.
The mother is such a delightful woman that it is a
cordial to my heart whenever I go to see her. I went
in to see her for a few moments the evening we received
your letter, and I think I never saw her in better spirits ;
and truly, if goodness and integrity can insure felicity,
she deserves to be happy.
The earliest anecdote remembered of Louisa is
this : When the family went from Philadelphia to
Boston by steamer, the two little girls were nicely
dressed in clean nankeen frocks for the voyage;
but they had not been long on board before the
lively Louisa was missing, and after a long search
she was brought up from the engine-room, where
her eager curiosity had carried her, and where she
was having a beautiful time, with " plenty of dirt."
The family removed to Boston in 1834, and
Mr. Alcott opened his famous school in Masonic
Temple. Louisa was too young to attend the
school except as an occasional visitor; but she
found plenty of interest and amusement for her
self in playing on the Common, making friends
with every child she met, and on one occasion
1 8 Louisa May Alcott.
falling into the Frog Pond. She has given a very
lively picture of this period of her life jn " Poppy's
Pranks," that vivacious young person being a pic
ture of herself, not at all exaggerated.
The family lived successively in Front Street,
Cottage Place, and Beach Street during the six
succeeding years in Boston. They occasionally
passed some weeks at Scituate during the summer,
which the children heartily enjoyed.
Mrs. Hawthorne gives a little anecdote which
shows how the child's heart was blossoming in this
family sunshine: " One morning in Front Street,
at the breakfast table, Louisa suddenly broke
silence, with a sunny smile saying, * I love every
body in dis whole world.' "
Two children were born during this residence in
Boston. Elizabeth was named for Mr. Alcott's as
sistant in his school, — Miss E. P. Peabody, since
so widely known and beloved by all friends of edu
cation. A boy was born only to die. The little
body was laid reverently away in the lot of Colonel
May in the old burial-ground on the Common, and
the children were taught to speak with tenderness
of their " baby brother."
When Louisa was about seven years old she
made a visit to friends in Providence. Miss C.
writes of her: " She is a beautiful little girl to look
upon, and I love her affectionate manners. I think
she is more like her mother than either of the
others." As is usually the case, Louisa's journal,
which she began at this early age, speaks more
fully of her struggles and difficulties than of the
bright, sunny moods which made her attractive. A
Childhood. 19
little letter carefully printed and sent home during
this visit is preserved. In it she says she is not
happy; and she did have one trying experience
there, to which she refers in " My Boys." Seeing
some poor children who she thought were hungry,
she took food from the house without asking per
mission, and carried it to them, and was afterward
very much astonished and grieved at being repri
manded instead of praised for the deed. Miss
C. says : " She has had several spells of feeling
sad ; but a walk or a talk soon dispels all gloom.
She was half moody when she wrote her let
ter ; but now she is gay as a lark. She loves to
play out of doors, and sometimes she is not in
clined to stay in when it is unpleasant." In her
sketches of " My Boys " she describes two of her
companions here, not forgetting the kindness of
the one and the mischievousness of the other.
Although the family were quite comfortable dur
ing the time of Mr. Alcott's teaching in Boston, yet
the children wearied of their extremely simple diet
of plain boiled rice without sugar, and graham
meal without butter or molasses. An old friend
who could not eat the bountiful rations provided
for her at the United States Hotel, used to save
her piece of pie or cake for the Alcott children.
Louisa often took it home to the others in a band
box which she brought for the purpose.
This friend was absent in Europe many years,
and returned to find the name of Louisa Alcott
famous. When she met the authoress on the street
she was eagerly greeted. "Why, I did not think
you would remember me ! " said the old lady.
2O Louisa May Alcott.
" Do you think I shall ever forget that bandbox? "
was the instant reply.
In 1840, Mr. Alcott's school having proved un
successful, the family removed to Concord, Mass.,
and took a cottage which is described in " Little
Women " as " Meg's first home," although Anna
never lived there after her marriage. It was a
pleasant house, with a garden full of trees, and
best of all a large barn, in which the children
could have free range and act out all the plays
with which their little heads were teeming. Of
course it was a delightful change from the city for
the children, and here they passed two very happy
years, for they were too young to understand the
cares which pressed upon the hearts of their pa
rents. Life was full of interest. One cold morn
ing they found in the garden a little half-starved
bird ; and having warmed and fed it, Louisa was
inspired to write a pretty poem to " The Robin."
The fond mother was so delighted that she said to
her, " You will grow up a Shakspeare ! " From the
lessons of her father she had formed the habit of
writing freely, but this is the first recorded instance
of her attempting to express her feelings in verse.
From the influences of such parentage as I have
described, the family life in which Louisa was
brought up became wholly unique.
If the father had to give up his cherished projects
of a school modelled after his ideas, he could at
least conduct the education of his own children ;
and he did so with the most tender devotion. Even
when they were infants he took a great deal of per
sonal care of them, and loved to put the little ones
Childhood. 2 1
to bed and use the " children's hour" to instil into
their hearts lessons of love and wisdom. He was
full of fun too, and would lie on the floor and frolic
with them, making compasses of his long legs with
which to draw letters and diagrams. No shade of
fear mingled with the children's reverent recogni
tion of his superior spiritual life. So their hearts
lay open to him, and he was able to help them in
their troubles.
He taught them much by writing ; and we have
many specimens of their lists of words to be spelled,
written, and understood. The lessons at Scituate
were often in the garden, and their father always
drew their attention to Nature and her beautiful
forms and meanings. Little symbolical pictures
helped to illustrate his lessons, and he sometimes
made drawings himself. Here is an example of
lessons. A quaint little picture represents one
child playing on a harp, another drawing an arrow.
It is inscribed —
FOR LOUISA.
1840.
Two passions strong divide our life, —
Meek, gentle love, or boisterous strife.
Below the child playing the harp is —
Love, Music,
Concord.
Below the shooter is —
Anger, Arrow,
Discord.
22 Loiiisa May Alcott.
Another leaflet is —
FOR LOUISA
1840.
Louisa loves —
Have some then,
Father
says.
Christmas Eve, December, 1840.
Concordia.
FOR ANNA.
1840.
Beauty or Duty, —
which
loves Anna best?
A
Question
from her
Father.
Christmas Eve,
December, 1840.
Concordia.
A letter beautifully printed by her father for
Louisa (1839) speaks to her of conscience, and she
adds to it this note : " L. began early, it seems, to
wrestle with her conscience." The children were
Childhood. 23
always required to keep their journals regularly,
and although these were open to the inspection of
father and mother, they were very frank, and really
recorded their struggles and desires. The mother
had the habit of writing little notes to the children
when she wished to call their attention to any fault
or peculiarity. Louisa preserved many of them,
headed, —
[Extracts from letters from Mother, received during these
early years. I preserve them to show the ever tender, watch
ful help she gave to the child who caused her the most anx
iety, yet seemed to be the nearest to her heart till the end. —
L. M. A.]
No. i. — MY DEAR LITTLE GIRL, — Will you accept
this doll from me on your seventh birthday? She will be
a quiet playmate for my active Louisa for seven years
more. Be a kind mamma, and love her for my sake.
YOUR MOTHER.
BEACH STREET, BOSTON, 1839.
From her Mother.
COTTAGE IN CONCORD.
DEAR DAUGHTER, — Your tenth birthday has arrived.
May it be a happy one, and on each returning birthday
may you feel new strength and resolution to be gentle
with sisters, obedient to parents, loving to every one, and
happy in yourself.
I give you the pencil-case I promised, for I have ob
served that you are fond of writing, and wish to encour
age the habit.
Go on trying, dear, and each day it will be easier to be
and do good. Yov must help yourself, for the cause of
your little troubles \^> in yourself ; and patience and cour-
24 Louisa May Alcott.
age only will make you what mother prays to see you, —
her good and happy girl.
CONCORD, 1843.
DEAR LOUY, — I enclose a picture for you which I
always liked very much, for I imagined that you might be
just such an industrious daughter and I such a feeble but
loving mother, looking to your labor for my daily bread.
Keep it for my sake and your own, for you and I
always liked to be grouped together.
MOTHER.
The lines I wrote under the picture in my journal : —
TO MOTHER.
I hope that soon, dear mother,
You and I may be
In the quiet room my fancy-
Has so often made for thee, —
The pleasant, sunny chamber,
The cushioned easy-chair,
The book laid for your reading,
The vase of flowers fair ;
The desk beside the window
Where the sun shines warm and bright :
And there in ease and quiet
The promised book you write ;
While I sit close beside you,
Content at last to see
That you can rest, dear mother,
And I can cherish thee.
[The dream came true, and for the last ten years of her
life Marmee sat in peace, with every wish granted, even to
the "grouping together;" for she died in my arms. — •
L. M. A.]
Childhood. 25
A passage in Louisa's story of " Little Men "
(p. 268) describes one of their childish plays.
They " made believe " their minds were little
round rooms in which the soul lived, and in which
good or bad things were preserved. This play
was never forgotten in after life, and the girls
often looked into their little rooms for comfort or
guidance in trial or temptation.
Louisa was very fond of animals, as is abundantly
shown in her stories. She never had the happiness
of owning many pets, except cats, and these were
the delight of the household. The children played
all manner of plays with them, tended them in sick
ness, buried them with funeral honors, and Louisa
has embalmed their memory in the story of " The
Seven Black Cats " in " Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag."
Dolls were an equal source of pleasure. The
imaginative children hardly recognized them as
manufactured articles, but endowed them with life
and feeling. Louisa put her dolls through every
experience of life ; they were fed, educated, pun
ished, rewarded, nursed, and even hung and buried,
and then resurrected in her stories. The account
of the " Sacrifice of the Dolls " to the exacting
Kitty Mouse in " Little Men" delights all chil
dren by its mixture of pathetic earnestness and
playfulness. It is taken from the experience of
another family of children.
Miss Alcott twice says that she never went to
any school but her father's ; but there were some
slight exceptions to this rule. She went a few
months to a little district school in Still River
Village. This was a genuine old-fashioned school,
26 Louisa May Alcott.
from which she took the hint of the frolics in
" Under the Lilacs." Miss Ford also kept a little
school in Mr. Emerson's barn, to which the chil
dren went; and Mary Russell had a school, which
Louisa attended when eight or nine years old.
These circumstances, however, had small influence
in her education.
During this period of life in Concord, which was
so happy to the children, the mother's heart was
full of anxious care. She however entered into
all their childish pleasures, and her watchful care
over their moral growth is shown by her letters
and by Louisa's journals.
The youngest child, Abba May, who was born
in the cottage, became the pet of the family and
the special care of the oldest sister, Anna.
Louisa's childish journal gives us many hints
of this happy life. She revised these journals in
later years, adding significant comments which
are full of interest. She designed them to have
place in her autobiography, which she hoped to
write.
From three different sources — her journals, an
article written for publication, and a manuscript
prepared for a friend, — we give her own account
of these childish years. She has not followed the
order of events strictly, and it has not been pos
sible, therefore, to avoid all repetition; but they
give the spirit of her early life, and clearly show
the kind of education she received from her father
and from the circumstances around her.
Childhood. 27
Sketch of Childhood, by herself.
ONE of my earliest recollections is of playing with
books in my father's study, — building houses and bridges
of the big dictionaries and diaries, looking at pictures,
pretending to read, and scribbling on blank pages when
ever pen or pencil could be found. Many of these first
attempts at authorship still remain in Bacon's Essays,
Plutarch's Lives, and other works of a serious nature, my
infant taste being for solid literature, apparently.
On one occasion we built a high tower round baby
Lizzie as she sat playing with her toys on the floor, and
being attracted by something out-of-doors, forgot our
little prisoner. A search was made, and patient baby at
last discovered curled up and fast asleep in her dungeon
cell, out of which she emerged so rosy and smiling after
her nap that we were forgiven for our carelessness.
Another memory is of my fourth birthday, which was
celebrated at my father's school- room in Masonic Tem
ple. All the children were there. I wore a crown of
flowers, and stood upon a table to dispense cakes to each
child as the procession marched past. By some over
sight the cakes fell short, and I saw that if I gave away
the last one / should have none. As I was queen of the
revel, I felt that I ought to have it, and held on to it
tightly till my mother said, —
"It is always better to give away than to keep the
nice things; so I know my Louy will not let the little
friend go without."
The little friend received the dear plummy cake, and
I a kiss and my first lesson in the sweetness of self-denial,
— a lesson which my dear mother beautifully illustrated
ail her long and noble life.
Running away was one of the delights of my early
28 Louisa May Alcott.
days ; and I still enjoy sudden flights out of the nest to
look about this very interesting world, and then go back
to report.
On one of these occasions I passed a varied day with
some Irish children, who hospitably shared their cold
potatoes, salt-fish, and crusts with me as we revelled in
the ash-heaps which then adorned the waste lands where
the Albany Depot now stands. A trip to the Common
cheered the afternoon, but as dusk set in and my friends
deserted me, I felt that home was a nice place after all,
and tried to find it. I dimly remember watching a lamp
lighter as I sat to rest on some doorsteps in Bedford
Street, where a big dog welcomed me so kindly that I
fell asleep with my head pillowed on his curly back, and
was found there by the town-crier, whom my distracted
parents had sent in search of me. His bell and procla
mation of the loss of " a little girl, six years old, in a
pink frock, white hat, and new green shoes," woke me
up, and a small voice answered out of the darkness, —
"Why, dat's me!"
Being with difficulty torn from my four-footed friend,
I was carried to the crier's house, and there feasted
sumptuously on bread-and-molasses in a tin plate with
the alphabet round it. But my fun ended next day
when I was tied to the arm of the sofa to repent at
leisure.
I became an Abolitionist at a very early age, but have
never been able to decide whether I was made so by
seeing the portrait of George Thompson hidden under a
bed in our house during the Garrison riot, and going to
comfort " the poor man who had been good to the
slaves," or because I was saved from drowning in the
Frog Pond some years later by a colored boy. How
ever that may be, the conversion was genuine ; and my
Childhood. 29
greatest pride is in the fact that I lived to know the
brave men and women who did so much for the cause,
and that I had a very small share in the war which put
an end to a great wrong.
Another recollection of her childhood was of
a "contraband" hidden in the oven, which must
have made her sense of the horrors of slavery
very keen.
I never went to school except to my father or such
governesses as from time to time came into the family.
Schools then were not what they are now; so we had
lessons each morning in the study. And very happy hours
they were to us, for my father taught in the wise way
which unfolds what lies in the child's nature, as a flower
blooms, rather than crammed it, like a Strasburg goose,
with more than it could digest. I never liked arithmetic
nor grammar, and dodged those branches on all occa
sions ; but reading, writing, composition, history, and
geography I enjoyed, as well as the stories read to us
with a skill peculiarly his own.
" Pilgrim's Progress," Krummacher's " Parables," Miss
Edge worth, and the best of the dear old fairy tales made
the reading hour the pleasantest of our day. On Sun
days we had a simple service of Bible stories, hymns, and
conversation about the state of our little consciences
and the conduct of our childish lives which never will
be forgotten.
Walks each morning round the Common while in the
city, and long tramps over hill and dale when our home
was in the country, were a part of our education, as well
as every sort of housework, — for which I have always been
very grateful, since such knowledge makes one indepen-
3O Louisa May Alcott.
dent in these days of domestic tribulation with the " help "
who are too often only hindrances.
Needle-work began early, and at ten my skilful sister
made a linen shirt beautifully ; while at twelve I set up
as a doll's dressmaker, with my sign out and wonderful
models in my window. All the children employed me,
and my turbans were the rage at one time, to the great
dismay of the neighbors' hens, who were hotly hunted
down, that I might tweak out their downiest feathers to
adorn the dolls' headgear.
Active exercise was my delight, from the time when a
child of six I drove my hoop round the Common with
out stopping, to the days when I did my twenty miles in
five hours and went to a party in the evening.
I always thought I must have been a deer or a horse
in some former state, because it was such a joy to run.
No boy could be my friend till I had beaten him in a
race, and no girl if she refused to climb trees, leap fences, *
and be a tomboy.
My wise mother, anxious to give me a strong body to
support a lively brain, turned me loose in the country
and let me run wild, learning of Nature what no books
can teach, and being led, — as those who truly love her
seldom fail to be, —
" Through Nature up to Nature's God."
I remember running over the hills just at dawn one
summer morning, and pausing to rest in the silent woods,
saw, through an arch of trees, the sun rise over river, hill,
and wide green meadows as I never saw it before.
Something born of the lovely hour, a happy mood, and
the unfolding aspirations of a child's soul seemed to bring
me very near to God ; and in the hush of that morning
hour I always felt that I "got religion," as the phrase
Childhood. 3 1
goes. A new and vital sense of His presence, tender and
sustaining as a father's arms, came to me then, never to
change through forty years of life's vicissitudes, but to
grow stronger for the sharp discipline of poverty and
pain, sorrow and success.
Those Concord days were the happiest of my life, for
we had charming playmates in the little Emersons, Chan-
nings, Hawthornes, and Goodwins, with the illustrious
parents and their friends to enjoy our pranks and share
our excursions.
Plays in the barn were a favorite amusement, and we
dramatized the fairy tales in great style. Our giant came
tumbling off a loft when Jack cut down the squash-vine
running up a ladder to represent the immortal bean.
Cinderella rolled away in a vast pumpkin, and a long
black pudding was lowered by invisible hands to fasten
itself on the nose of the woman who wasted her three
wishes.
Pilgrims journeyed over the hill with scrip and staff
and cockle-shells in their hats ; fairies held their pretty
revels among the whispering birches, and strawberry par
ties in the rustic arbor were honored by poets and phi
losophers, who fed us on their wit and wisdom while the
little maids served more mortal food.
CHAPTER III.
FRUITLANDS.
MY KINGDOM.
A LITTLE kingdom I possess,
Where thoughts and feelings dwell,
And very hard I find the task
Of governing it well ;
For passion tempts and troubles me,
A wayward will misleads,
And selfishness its shadow casts
On all my words and deeds.
How can I learn to rule myself,
To be the child I should,
Honest and brave, nor ever tire .
Of trying to be good ?
How can I keep a sunny soul
To shine along life's way ?
How can I tune my little heart
To sweetly sing all day ?
Dear Father, help me with the love
That casteth out my fear ;
Teach me to lean on thee, and feel
That thou art very near,
That no temptation is unseen,
No childish grief too small,
Since thou, with patience infinite,
Doth soothe and comfort all.
I do not ask for any crown
But that which all may win,
Nor seek to conquer any world
Except the one within.
Be thou my guide until I find,
Led by a tender hand,
Thy happy kingdom in myself,
And dare to take command.
Fruitlands. 33
IN 1842 Mr. Alcott went to England. His mind
was very much exercised at this time with
plans for organized social life on a higher plane,
and he found like-minded friends in England who
gave him sympathy and encouragement. He had
for some years advocated a strictly vegetarian diet,
to which his family consented from deference to
him ; consequently the children never tasted meat
till they came to maturity. On his return from
England he was accompanied by friends who were
ready to unite with him in the practical realization
of their social theories. Mr. Lane resided for some
months in the Alcott family at Concord, and gave
instruction to the children. Although he does not
appear to have won their hearts, they yet reaped
much intellectual advantage from his lessons,. as he
was an accomplished scholar.
In 1843 this company of enthusiasts secured a
farm in the town of Harvard, near Concord, which
with trusting hope they named Fruitlands. Mrs.
Alcott did not share in all the peculiar ideas of her
husband and his friends, but she was so utterly de
voted to him that she was ready to help him in
carrying out his plans, however little they com
mended themselves to her better judgment.
She alludes very briefly to the experiment in her
diary, for the experience was too bitter to dwell
upon. She could not relieve her feelings by
bringing out the comic side, as her daughter did.
Louisa's account of this colony, as given in her
story called " Transcendental Wild Oats," is very
close to the facts ; and the mingling of pathos and
humor, the reverence and ridicule with which she
3
34 Louisa May Alcott.
alternately treats the personages and the notions of
those engaged in the scheme, make a rich and de
lightful tale. It was written many years later, and
gives the picture as she looked back upon it, the
absurdities coming out in strong relief, while she
sees also the grand, misty outlines of the high
thoughts so poorly realized. This story was pub
lished in the "Independent," Dec. 8, 1873, and
may now be found in her collected works (" Silver
Pitchers," p. 79).
Fortunately we have also her journal written at
the time, which shows what education the experi
ence of this strange life brought to the child of ten
or eleven years old.
The following extract from Mr. Emerson proves
that this plan of life looked fair and pleasing to his
eye, although he was never tempted to join in it.
He was evidently not unconscious of the inade
quacy of the means adopted to the end proposed,
but he rejoiced in any endeavor after high ideal
life.
JULY, 8, 1843.
Journal. — The sun and the evening sky do not look
calmer than Alcott and his family at Fruitlands. They
seemed to have arrived at the fact, — to have got rid of
the show, and so to be serene. Their manners and
behavior in the house and in the field were those of
superior men, — of men at rest. What had they to con
ceal? What had they to exhibit? And it seemed so
high an attainment that I thought — as often before, so
now more, because they had a fit home, or the picture
was fitly framed — that these men ought to be main
tained in their place by the country for its ailture.
Frultlands. 35
Young men and young maidens, old men and women,
should visit them and be inspired. I think there is as
much merit in beautiful manners as in hard work. I will
not prejudge them successful. They look well in July ;
we will see them in December. I know they are better
for themselves than as partners. One can easily see that
they have yet to settle several things. Their saying that
things are clear, and they sane, does not make them so.
If they will in very deed be lovers, and not selfish ; if
they will serve the town of Harvard, and make their
neighbors feel them as benefactors wherever they touch
them, — they are as safe as the sun.1
Early Diary kept at Fruitlands, 1843.
Ten Years Old.
September \st. — I rose at five and had my bath. I
love cold water ! Then we had our singing-lesson with
Mr. Lane. After breakfast I washed dishes, and ran on
the hill till nine, and had some thoughts, — it was so beau
tiful up there. Did my lessons, — wrote and spelt and
did sums ; and Mr. Lane read a story, " The Judicious
Father " : How a rich girl told a poor girl not to look
over the fence at the flowers, and was cross to her
because she was unhappy. The father heard her do
it, and made the girls change clothes. The poor one
was glad to do it, and he told her to keep them. But
the rich one was very sad ; for she had to wear the
old ones a week, and after that she was good to shabby
girls. I liked it very much, and I shall be kind to poor
people.
Father asked us what was God's noblest work. Anna
said men, but I said babies. Men are often bad ; babies
1 Emerson in Concord. By Edward Waldo Emerson.
36 Lmtisa May Alcott.
never are. We had a long talk, and I felt better after it,
and cleared up.
We had bread and fruit for dinner. I read and walked
and played till supper-time. We sung in the evening.
As I went to bed the moon came up very brightly and
looked at me. I felt sad because I have been cross to
day, and did not mind Mother. I cried, and then I felt
better, and said that piece from Mrs. Sigourney, " I must
not tease my mother." I get to sleep saying poetry, — I
know a great deal.
Thursday, \/^th. — Mr. Parker Pillsbury came, and we
talked about the poor slaves. I had a music lesson with
Miss F. I hate her, she is so fussy. I ran in the wind
and played be a horse, and had a lovely time in the woods
with Anna and Lizzie. We were fairies, and made gowns
and paper wings. I " flied " the highest of all. In the
evening they talked about travelling. I thought about
Father going to England, and said this piece of poetry I
found in Byron's poems : -
" When I left thy shores, O Naxos,
Not a tear in sorrow fell ;
Not a sigh or faltered accent
Told my bosom's struggling swell."
It rained when I went to bed, and made a pretty
noise on the roof.
Sunday, 2^th. — Father and Mr. Lane have gone to
N. H. to preach. It was very lovely. . . . Anna and I
got supper. In the eve I read "Vicar of Wakefield."
I was cross to-day, and I cried when I went to bed. I
made good resolutions, and felt better in my heart. If
I only kept all I make, I should be the best girl in the
world. But I don't, and so am very bad.
[Poor little sinner I She says the same at fifty. • —
L. M. A.]
Fruitlands. 37
October 8M. — When I woke up, the first thought I
got was, " It 's Mother's birthday : I must be very good."
I ran and wished her a happy birthday, and gave her my
kiss. After breakfast we gave her our presents. I had
a moss cross and a piece of poetry for her.
We did not have any school, and played in the woods
and got red leaves. In the evening we danced and sung,
and I read a story about " Contentment." I wish I was
rich, I was good, and we were all a happy family this
day.
Thursday, \2th. — After lessons I ironed. We all went
to the barn and husked corn. It was good fun. We
worked till eight o'clock and had lamps. Mr. Russell
came. Mother and Lizzie are going to Boston. I shall
be very lonely without dear little Betty, and no one will
be as good to me as mother. I read in Plutarch. I
made a verse about sunset : —
Softly doth the sun descend
To his couch behind the hill,
Then, oh, then, I love to sit
On mossy banks beside the rill.
Anna thought it was very fine ; but I did n't like it very
well.
Friday, Nov. 2nd. — Anna and I did the work. In
the evening Mr. Lane asked us, "What is man?"
These were our answers : A human being ; an animal
with a mind ; a creature ; a body ; a soul and a
mind. After a long talk we went to bed very tired.
[No wonder, after doing the work and worrying their
little wits with such lessons. — L. M. A.]
A sample of the vegetarian wafers we used at Fruit-
lands : —
8 6 Louisa May Alcott.
Vegetable diet Pluck your body Without flesh diet
and sweet repose. from the orchard ; there could be no
Animal food and do not snatch it blood-shedding war.
nightmare. from the shamble.
Apollo eats no Snuff is no less snuff
flesh and has no though accepted from
beard ; his voice is a gold box.
melody itself.
Tuesday, eoM. — I rose at five, and after breakfast
washed the dishes, and then helped mother work. Miss
F. is gone, and Anna in Boston with Cousin Louisa. I
took care of Abby (May) in the afternoon. In the
evening I made some pretty things for my dolly. Father
and Mr. L. had a talk, and father asked us if we saw any
reason for us to separate. Mother wanted to, she is so
tired. I like it, but not the school part or Mr. L.
Eleven years old. Thursday, zqth. — It was Father's
and my birthday. We had some nice presents. We
played in the snow before school. Mother read " Rosa
mond " when we sewed. Father asked us in the eve
what fault troubled us most. I said my bad temper.
I told mother I liked to have her write in my book.
She said she would put in more, and she wrote this to
help me : —
DEAR LOUY, — Your handwriting improves very fast.
Take pains and do not be in a hurry. I like to have you
make observations about our conversations and your own
thoughts. It helps you to express them and to under
stand your little self. Remember, dear girl, that a diary
should be an epitome of your life. May it be a record
of pure thought and good actions, then you will indeed
be the precious child of your loving mother.
December loth. — I did my lessons, and walked in the
afternoon. Father read to us in dear Pilgrim's Progress.
Fruitlands. 39
Mr. L. was in Boston, and we were glad. In the eve
father and mother and Anna and I had a long talk. I
was very unhappy, and we all cried. Anna and I cried
in bed, and I prayed God to keep us all together.
[Little Lu began early to feel the family cares and pe
culiar trials. — L. M. A.]
I liked the verses Christian sung and will put them
in : —
u This place has been our second stage,
Here we have heard and seen
Those good things that from age to age
To others hid have been.
* They move me for to watch and pray,
To strive to be sincere,
To take my cross up day by day,
And serve the Lord with fear."
[The appropriateness of the song at this time was much
greater than the child saw. She never forgot this experi
ence, and her little cross began to grow heavier from this
hour. — L. M. A.]
CONCORD, Sunday. — We all went into the woods to
get moss for the arbor Father is making for Mr. Emerson.
I miss Anna so much. I made two verses for her : —
TO ANNA.
Sister, dear, when you are lonely,
Longing for your distant home,
And the images of loved ones
Warmly to your heart shall come,
Then, mid tender thoughts and fancies,
Let one fond voice say to thee,
" Eyer when your heart is heavy,
Arma, dear, then think of me."
40 Louisa May Alcqtt.
Think how we two have together -
Journeyed onward day by day,
Joys and sorrows ever sharing,
While the swift years roll away.
Then may all the sunny hours
Of our youth rise up to thee,
And when your heart is light and happy,
Anna, dear, then think of me.
[Poetry began to flow about this time in a thin but co
pious stream. — L. M. A.J
Wednesday. — Read Martin Luther. A long letter
from Anna. She sends me a picture of Jenny Lind, the
great singer. She must be a happy girl. I should like
to be famous as she is. Anna is very happy; and I
don't miss her as much as I shall by and by in the
winter.
I wrote in my Imagination Book, and enjoyed it very
much. Life is pleasanter than it used to be, and I don't
care about dying any more. Had a splendid run, and
got a box of cones to burn. Sat and heard the pines
sing a long time. Read Miss Bremer's " Home " in the
eve. Had good dreams, and woke now and then to
think, and watch the moon. I had a pleasant time with
my mind, for it was happy.
[Moods began early. — L. M. A.]
January, 1845, Friday. — Did my lessons, and in the
p. M. mother read " Kenilworth " to us while we sewed.
It is splendid ! I got angry and called Anna mean.
Father told me to look out the word in the Die., and it
meant "base," "contemptible." I was so ashamed to
have called my dear sister that, and I cried over my bad
tongue and temper.
We have had a lovely day. All the trees were covered
Fru it I MI ds. 41
with ice, and it shone like diamonds or fairy palaces. I
made a piece of poetry about winter : —
The stormy winter 's come at last,
With snow and rain and bitter blast ;
Ponds and brooks are frozen o'er,
We cannot sail there any more.
The little birds are flown away
To warmer climes than ours ;
They'll come no more till gentle May
Calls them back with flowers.
Oh, then the darling birds will sing
From their neat nests in the trees.
All creatures wake to welcome Spring,
And flowers dance in the breeze.
With patience wait till winter is o'er,
And all lovely things return ;
Of every season try the more
Some knowledge or virtue to learn.
[A moral is tacked on even to the early poems. —
L. M. A.]
I read " Philothea," 1 by Mrs. Child. I found this that
I liked in it. Plato said : —
" When I hear a note of music I can at once strike its
chord. Even as surely is there everlasting harmony be
tween the soul of man and the invisible forms of creation.
If there were no innocent hearts there would be no white
lilies. ... I often think flowers are the angel's alphabet
1 "Philothea" was the delight of girls. The young Alcotts
made a dramatic version of it, which they acted under the trees.
Louisa made a magnificent Aspasia, which was a part much to her
fancy. Mrs. Child was a very dear friend of Mrs. Alcott, and her
daughters knew her well.
43 Louisa May Alcott.
whereby they write on hills and fields mysterious and
beautiful lessons for us to feel and learn."
[Well done, twelve-year-old! Plato, the father's delight,
had a charm for the little girl also. — L. M. A.]
Wednesday. — I am so cross I wish I had never been
born.
Thursday. — Read the * Heart of Mid-Lothian," and
had a very happy day. Miss Ford gave us a botany
lesson in the woods. I am always good there. In the
evening Miss Ford told us about the bones in our bodies,
and how they get out of order. I must be careful of
mine, I climb and jump and run so much.
I found this note from dear mother in my journal : —
MY DEAREST LOUY, — I often peep into your diary,
hoping to see some record of more happy days. " Hope,
and keep busy," dear daughter, and in all perplexity or
trouble come freely to your
MOTHER.
DEAR MOTHER, — You shall see more happy days, and
I will come to you with my worries, for you are the best
woman in the world. L. M. A,
A Sample of our Lessons.
« What virtues do you wish more of ? " asks Mr. L.
I answer : —
Patience, Love, Silence,
Obedience, Generosity, Perseverance,
Industry, Respect, Self-denial.
« What vices less of ? "
Idleness, Wilfulness, Vanity,
Impatience, Impudence, Pride,
Selfishness, Activity. Love of cats.
Fniitlands. 43
MR. L. L.
SOCRATES. ALCIBIADES.
How can you get what you need ? By trying.
How do you try ? By resolution and perseverance.
How gain love ? By gentleness.
What is gentleness ? Kindness, patience, and care for
other people's feelings.
Who has it ? Father and Anna.
Who means to have it ? Louisa, if she can.
[She never got it. — L. M. A.]
Write a sentence about anything. " I hope it will rain ;
the garden needs it."
What are the elements of hope? Expectation, desire,
faith.
What are the elements in wish f Desire.
What is the difference between faith and hope ? " Faith
can believe without seeing; hope is not sure, but tries to
have faith when it desires."
No. 3-
What are the most valuable kinds of self-denial ? Appe
tite, temper.
How is self-denial of temper known ? If I control my
temper, I am respectful and gentle, and every one sees it.
What is the result of this self-denial ? Every one loves
me, and I am happy.
Why use self-denial ? For the good of myself and others.
How shall we learn this self-denial ? By resolving, and
then trying hard.
What then do you mean to do ? To resolve and try.
[Here the record of these lessons ends, and poor little
Alcibiades went to work and tried till fifty, but without any
very great success, in spite of all the help Socrates and Plato
gave her. — L. M. A.]
Tuesday. — More people coming to live with us ; I
wish we could be together, and no one else. I don't
44 Louisa May Atcott*
see who is to clothe and feed us all, when we are so
poor now. I was very dismal, and then went to walk
and made a poem.
DESPONDENCY.
Silent and sad,
When all are glad,
And the earth is dressed in flowers ;
When the gay birds sing
Till the forests ring,
As they rest in woodland bowers.
Oh, why these tears,
And these idle fears
For what may come to-morrow?
The birds find food
From God so good,
And the flowers know no sorrow.
If He clothes these
And the leafy trees,
Will He not cherish thee ?
Why doubt His care ;
It is everywhere,
Though the way we may not see.
Then why be sad
When all are glad,
And the world is full of flowers ?
With the gay birds sing,
Make life all Spring,
And smile through the darkest hours.
Louisa Alcott grew up so naturally in a healthy
religious atmosphere that she breathed and worked
in it without analysis or question. She had not
Frnitlands. 45
suffered from ecclesiastical tyranny or sectarian
bigotry, and needed not to expend any time or
strength in combating them. She does not appear
to have suffered from doubt or questioning, but to
have gone- on her way fighting all the real evils
that were presented to her, trusting in a sure power
of right, and confident of victory.
CONCORD, Thursday. — I had an early run in the
woods before the dew was off the grass. The moss was
like velvet, and as I ran under the arches of yellow and
red leaves I sang for joy, my heart was so bright and the
world so beautiful. I stopped at the end of the walk and
saw the sunshine out over the wide "Virginia meadows."
It seemed like going through a dark life or grave into
heaven beyond. A very strange and solemn feeling came
over me as I stood there, with no sound but the rustle of
the pines, no one near me, and the sun so glorious, as
for me alone. It seemed as if I felt God as I never did
before, and I prayed in my heart that I might keep that
happy sense of nearness all my life.
[I have, for I most sincerely think that the little girl "<rot
religion " that day in the wood when dear mother Nature led
her to God. — L. M. A., 1885.]
One of Louisa's strongest desires at this time
was for a room of her own, where she might have
the solitude she craved to dream her dreams and
work out her fancies. These sweet little notes and
an extract from her journal show how this desire
was felt and gratified.
DEAREST MOTHER, — I have tried to be more con
tented, and I think I have been more so. I have been
46 Louisa May AlcrfL
thinking about my little room, which I suppose I never
shall have. I should want to be there about all the
time, and I should go there and sing and think.
But I '11 be contented
With what I have got;
Of folly repented,
Then sweet is my lot.
From your trying daughter,
LOUY.
MY DEAR LOUISA, — Your note gave me so much de
light that I cannot close my eyes without first thanking
you, dear, for making me so happy, and blessing God
who gave you this tender love for your mother.
I have observed all day your patience with baby, your
obedience to me, and your kindness to all.
Go on " trying," my child ; God will give you strength
and courage, and help you fill each day with words and
deeds of love. I shall lay this on your pillow, put a
warm kiss on your lips, and say a little prayer over you
in your sleep.
MOTHER.
MY LOUY, — I was grieved at your selfish behavior this
morning, but also greatly pleased to find you bore so
meekly Father's reproof for it. That is the way, dear ;
if you find you are wrong, take the discipline sweetly,
and do so no more. It is not to be expected that chil
dren should always do right ; but oh, how lovely to see
a child penitent and patient when the passion is over.
I thought a little prayer as I looked at you, and said
In my heart, " Dear God, sustain my child in this moment
of trial, that no hasty word, no cruel look, no angry ac
tion may add to her fault." And you were helped. I
know that you will have a happy day after the storm and
Fruitlands. 47
the gentle shower ; keep quiet, read, walk, but do not
talk much till all is peace again.
MOTHER.
HILLSIDE, CONCORD.
DEAR, — I am glad you put your heart in the right
place ; for I am sure all true strength comes from above.
Continue to feel that God is near you, dear child, and
He never will forsake you in a weak moment. Write me
always when you feel that I can help you ; for, though
God is near, Mother never forgets you, and your refuge
is her arms.
Patience, dear, will give us content, if 'nothing else.
Be assured the little room you long for will come, if it is
necessary to your peace and well-being. Till then try
to be happy with the good things you have. They are
many, — more perhaps than we deserve, after our fre
quent complaints and discontent.
Be cheerful, my Louy, and all will be gayer for your
laugh, and all good and lovely things will be given to
you when you deserve them.
I am a busy woman, but never can forget the calls of
my children.
MOTHER.
DEAREST, — I am sure you have lived very near to God
to-day, you have been so good and happy. Let each day
be like this, and life will become a sweet song for you and
all who love you, — none so much as your
MOTHER.
Thirteen Years Old.
HILLSIDE.
March, 1846. — I have at last got the little room I
have wanted so long, and am very happy about it. It
48 Louisa May Alcott.
does me good to be alone, and Mother has made it very
pretty and neat for me. My work-basket and desk are
by the window, and my closet is full of dried herbs that
smell very nice. The door that opens into the garden
will be very pretty in summer, and I can run off to the
woods when I like.
I have made a plan for my life, as I am in my teens,
and no more a child. I am old for my age, and don't
care much for girl's things. People think I 'm wild and
queer; but Mother understands and helps me. I have
not told any one about my plan ; but I 'm going to be
good. I Ve made so many resolutions, and written sad
notes, and cried over my sins, and it does n't seem to do
any good ! Now I 'm going to work really, for I feel a
true desire to improve, and be a help and comfort, not a
care and sorrow, to my dear mother.
Fifteen Years Old.
Sunday, Oct. 9, 1847. — I have been reading to-day
Bettine's correspondence with Goethe.
She calls herself a child, and writes about the lovely
things she saw and heard, and felt and did. I liked it
much.
[First taste of Goethe. Three years later R. W. E. gave
me " Wilhelm Meister," and from that day Goethe has been
my chief idol. — L. M. A., 1885.]
The experiment at Fruitlands was (outwardly)
an utter failure, and had exhausted Mr. Alcott's
resources of mind, body, and estate. Louisa has
not exaggerated the collapse which followed. But
the brave, loving mother could not give way to
despondency, for she had her young to care for.
After a few days Mr. Alcott rose from his despair,
Fruitlands. 49
and listened to her counsel. They lived a short
time at Still River, and then returned to Concord ;
but not to the happy little cottage.
Mr. Alcott sought such work as he could find to
do with his hands ; but it was scanty and insufficient.
Mrs. Alcott subdued her proud heart to the neces
sity of seeking help from friends. They had a few
rooms in the house of a kind neighbor, who wel
comed them to her house, in addition to her own
large family; and there they struggled with the
poverty which Louisa for the first time fully
realized.
Yet her journal says little of the hardships they
endured, but is full of her mental and moral strug
gles. It was characteristic of this family that they
never were conquered by their surroundings. Mr.
Alcott might retire into sad and silent musing, Mrs.
Alcott' s warm, quick temper, might burst out into
flame, the children might be quarrelsome or noisy ;
but their ideal of life always remained high, fresh,
and ennobling. Their souls always " knew their
destiny divine," and believed that they would find
fitting expression in life some time. " Chill penury "
could not repress " their noble rage," nor freeze
" the genial current" of their souls.
The children escaped from the privations of daily
life into a world of romance, and in the plays in the
old barn revelled in luxury and splendor. This
dramatic tendency was very strong in Louisa, and
she never outgrew it. It took various shapes and
colors, and at one time threatened to dominate her
life.
The education of the children was certainly des-
5O Louisa May Alcott.
ultory and insufficient; but it was inspiring, and
brought out their powers. They learned to feel and
to think justly, and to express theirthoughts and feel
ings freely and forcibly, if they did not know well the
rules of grammar and rhetoric. Mr. Alcott always
loved the study of language, and became a master
of it; while Mrs. Alcott had a rich and well-chosen
vocabulary, gained from the intelligent companions
of her youth and the best literature, which she
read freely. Mr. Alcott made great use of the
study of language in his teaching, and often em
ployed the definition of a word to convey a lesson
or a rebuke. The children were encouraged, and
even required, to keep their journals regularly, and
to write letters. Their efforts at poetry or the
drama were not laughed at, but treasured by their
parents as indications of progress. Mr. Alcott's
records of his own theory and practice in the edu
cation of children are full of valuable suggestion,
and much yet remains buried in his journals. The
girls had full freedom to act out their natures, with
little fear of ridicule or criticism. An innate sense
of dignity and modesty kept them from abusing
this liberty; and perhaps nowhere in the world
could it have been more safely indulged than in the
simple life of Concord, whose very atmosphere
seemed then filled with a spiritual presence which
made life free, pure, and serene.
Louisa gives this interesting anecdote of their life
at that time : -
People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed them, and
droll stories are still told of the adventures of those days.
Fmitlands. 5 1
Mr. Emerson and Margaret Fuller were visiting my par
ents one afternoon, and the conversation having turned
to the ever interesting subject of education, Miss Fuller
said : —
" Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to carry out
your methods in your own family, and I should like to
see your model children."
She did in a few moments, for as the guests stood on
the door-steps a wild uproar approached, and round the
corner of the house came a wheelbarrow holding baby
May arrayed as a queen ; I was the horse, bitted and
bridled, and driven by my elder sister Anna ; while Liz
zie played dog, and barked as loud as her gentle voice
permitted.
All were shouting and wild with fun, which, however,
came to a sudden end as we espied the stately group be
fore us ; for my foot tripped, and down we all went in a
laughing heap ; while my mother put a climax to the joke
by saying, with a dramatic wave of the hand, —
" Here are the model children, Miss Fuller."
They were undoubtedly very satisfactory to Miss
Fuller, who partook largely of the educational
views of that time, and who loved to tell anecdotes
of this family. One of the sisters writes in her
diary : " She said prayers ; but I think my resolu
tions to be good are prayers."
In 1841 Colonel May, Mrs. Alcott's father, died
and left her a small amount of property. Mrs.
Alcott decided to purchase with this a house in
Concord, and the addition of five hundred dollars
from Mr. Emerson, who was always the good Provi
dence of the family, enabled her in 1845 to buy
the place in Concord known as Hillside. This
5 2 Louisa May Akott.
house !s on the road to Lexington, about one third
of a mile from Mr. Emerson's home. It was after
ward occupied by Mr. Hawthorne.
In this house the girlish life of Louisa was
passed, which she has represented so fully in
" Little Women," and of which she speaks in her
journal as the happiest time of her life. Yet she
was not unmindful of the anxiety of her parents ;
and the determined purpose to retrieve the for
tunes of the family and to give to her mother the
comfort and ease which she had never known in
her married life became the constant motive of her
conduct. It is in the light of this purpose alone
that her character and her subsequent career can
be fully understood. She naturally thought of
teaching as her work, and had for a short time a
little school in the barn for Mr. Emerson's children
and others.
It was indeed a great comfort to be sure of the
house over their heads, but there were still six
mouths to be fed, six bodies to be clothed, and
four young, eager minds to be educated. Concord
offered very little opportunity for such work as
either Mr. or Mrs. Alcott could do, and at last
even the mother's brave heart broke down. She
was painfully anxious about the support of her
household. A friend passing through Concord
called upon her, and Mrs. Alcott could not hide
the traces of tears on her face. " Abby Alcott,
what does this mean?" said the visitor, with de
termined kindness. The poor mother opened her
heart to her friend, and told the story of their
privations and sufferings.
Fmttlands. 53
" Come to Boston, and I will find you employ
ment," said the friend.
The family removed to Boston in 1848, and Mrs.
Alcott became a visitor to the poor in the employ
of one or more benevolent societies, and finally
kept an intelligence office. Her whole heart went
into her work; and the children, as well as the
mother, learned many valuable lessons from it.
Her reports of her work are said to have been very
interesting, and full of valuable suggestion.
Mr. Alcott began to hold conversations in West
Street. He attracted a small circle of thoughtful
men and women about him, who delighted in the
height of his aspirations and the originality of his
thoughts. It was congenial occupation for him,
and thus added to the happiness of the family,
though very little to its pecuniary resources. His
price of admission was small, and he freely invited
any one who would enjoy the meetings although
unable to pay for them. He was a great and help
ful influence to young minds. Besides the morally
pure and spiritually elevated atmosphere of thought
to which they were introduced by him, they found
a great intellectual advantage in the acquaintance
with ancient poets and philosophers, into whose
life he had entered sympathetically. His peculiar
theories of temperament and diet never failed to
call out discussion and opposition. One of my
earliest recollections of Louisa is on one of these
occasions, when he was emphasizing his doctrine
that a vegetable diet would produce unruffled sweet
ness of temper and disposition. I heard a voice
behind me saying to her neighbor: " I don't know
54 Louisa May Alcott.
about that. I Ve never eaten any meat, and I 'm
awful cross and irritable very often."
On her fourteenth birthday her mother wrote
her the following poem, with a present of a pen. It
was a prophetic gift, and well used by the receiver.
Oh, may this pen your muse inspire,
When wrapt in pure poetic fire,
To write some sweet, some thrilling verse;
A song of love or sorrow's lay,
Or duty's clear but tedious way
In brighter hope rehearse.
Oh, let your strain be soft and high,
Of crosses here, of crowns beyond the sky ;
Truth guide your pen, inspire your theme,
And from each note joy's music stream.
[Original, I think. I have tried to obey. — L. M. A.,
1885.]
In a sketch written for a friend, Louisa gives this
account of the parents' influence on the children : —
When cautious friends asked mother how she dared to
have such outcasts among her girls, she always answered,
with an expression of confidence which did much to keep
us safe, " I can trust my daughters, and this is the best
way to teach them how to shun these sins and comfort
these sorrows. They cannot escape the knowledge of
them ; better gain this under their father's roof and their
mother's care, and so be protected by these experiences
when their turn comes to face the world and its tempta
tions." Once we carried our breakfast to a starving
family ; once lent our whole dinner to a neighbor sud
denly taken unprepared by distinguished guests. Anothei
time, one snowy Saturday night, when our wood was very
low, a poor child came to beg a little, as the baby was
Fruitlands. 5 5
sick and the father on a spree with all his wages. My
mother hesitated at first, as we also had a baby. Very
cold weather was upon us, and a Sunday to be got
through before more wood could be had. My father
said, " Give half our stock, and trust in Providence ; the
weather will moderate, or wood will come." Mother
laughed, and answered in her cheery way, "Well, their
need is greater than ours, and if our half gives out we
can go to bed and tell stories." So a generous half went
to the poor neighbor, and a little later in the eve, while
the storm still raged and we were about to cover our fire
to keep it, a knock came, and a farmer who usually sup
plied us appeared, saying anxiously, " I started for Boston
with a load of wood, but it drifts so I want to go home.
Would n't you like to have me drop the wood here , it
would accommodate me, and you need n't hurry about
paying for it." " Yes," said Fatner ; and as the man went
off he turned to Mother with a look that much impressed
us children with his gifts as a seer, " Did n't I tell you
wood would come if the weather did not moderate?"
Mother's motto was " Hope, and keep busy," and one
of her sayings, " Cast your bread upon the waters, and
after many days it will come back buttered."
CHAPTER TV.
THE SENTIMENTAL PERIOD.
A SONG FROM THE SUDS.
QUEEN of my tub, I merrily sing,
While the white foam rises high,
And sturdily wash, and rinse, and wring,
And fasten the clothes to dry ;
Then out in the free fresh air they swing,
Under the sunny sky.
I wish we could wash from our hearts and our souls
The stains of the week away, (
And let water and air by their magic make
Ourselves as pure as they ;
Then on the earth there would be indeed
A glorious washing-day !
Along the path of a useful life
Will heart's-ease ever bloom ;
The busy mind has no time to think
Of sorrow, or care, or gloom ;
And anxious thoughts may be swept away
As we busily wield a broom.
I am glad a task to me is given
To labor at day by day ;
For it brings me health, and strength, and hope,
And I cheerfully learn to say, —
" Head, you may think ; heart, you may feel ;
But hand, you shall work alway ! "
THE period of free, happy childhood was neces
sarily short, and at about the age of fifteen
Louisa Alcott began to feel the pressure of thoughts
and duties which made life a more solemn matter.
The Sentimental Period. 57
In spite of the overflowing fun which appears in
her books, her nature was very Serious, and she
could not cast aside care lightly. So many vary
ing tendencies existed in her character that she
must have struggled with many doubts and ques
tions before finding the true path. But she always
kept the pole-star of right strictly in view, and
never failed in truth to that duty which seemed to
her nearest and most imperative. If she erred in
judgment, she did not err in conscientious fidelity.
Her mother's rules for her guidance were —
Rule yourself.
Love your neighbor.
Do the duty which lies nearest you.
She never lost sight of these instructions.
I will introduce this period in her own words, as
written later for the use of a friend.
My romantic period began at fifteen, when I fell to
writing poetry, keeping a heart-journal, and wandering
by moonlight instead of sleeping quietly. About that
time, in browsing over Mr. Emerson's library, I found
Goethe's " Correspondence with a Child," and at once
was fired with a desire to be a Bettine, making my
father's friend my Goethe. So I wrote letters to him,
but never sent them ; sat in a tall cherry-tree at mid
night, singing to the moon till the owls scared me to
bed ; left wild flowers on the doorstep of my " Master,"
and sung Mignon's song under his window in very bad
German.
Not till many years later did I tell my Goethe of this
early romance and the part he played in it. He was
much amused, and begged for his letters, kindly saying
58 Lotiisa May Alcott.
he felt honored to be so worshipped. The letters were
burnt long ago, but Emerson remained my " Master '
while he lived, doing more for me, — as for many another,
— than he knew, by the simple beauty of his life, the truth
and wisdom of his books, the example of a great, good,
man, untempted and unspoiled by the world which he
made better while in it, and left richer and nobler when
he went.
The trials of life began about this time, and happy
childhood ended. One of the most memorable days of
my life is a certain gloomy November afternoon, when we
had been holding a family council as to ways and means.
In summer we lived much as the birds did, on our fruit
and bread and milk ; the sun was our fire, the sky our
roof, and Nature's plenty made us forget that such a
thing as poverty existed.
In 1850 she heads her diary " The Sentimental
Period." She was then seventeen years old, but
her diary gives no hint of the sentimental notions
that often fill the heads of young girls at that
period. The experiences of Jo with her charm
ing young neighbor in " Little Women " do not
represent hers at all.
One bit of romance was suggested by Goethe's
" Correspondence with a Child." It may be diffi
cult for readers of to-day to understand the fasci
nation which this book exercised upon young
minds of the last generation, yet it is certain that
it led more than one young girl to form an idea!
attachment to a man far older than herself, but full.
of nobility and intellectual greatness. Theodore
Parker said of letters addressed to him by a young
New Hampshire girl, " They are as good as Bet-
The Sentimental Period. 59
tine's without the lies." This mingling of idealism
and hero-worship was strongly characteristic of
that transcendental period when women, having
little solid education and less industrial employ
ment, were full of noble aspirations and longings
for fuller and freer life, which must find expression
in some way.
The young woman of to-day, wearing waterproof
and india-rubber boots, skating, driving, and bicy
cling, studying chemistry in the laboratory, exhibit
ing her pictures in open competition, adopting a
profession without opposition, and living single
without fear of reproach, has less time for fancies
and more regard for facts.
Miss Alcott was safe in choosing her idol. Wor
ship of Emerson could only refine and elevate her
thoughts, and her intimate acquaintance with his
beautiful home chastened her idolatry into pure
reverent friendship which never failed her. She
kept her worship to herself, and never sent him
the letters in which she poured out the longings
and raptures which filled her girlish heart.
Her diary, which was revised by herself in later
years, tells the story of this period quite fully.
The details may seem trifling, but they help to
illustrate this important formative period of her
life.
Journal.
THE SENTIMENTAL PERIOD.
BOSTON, May, 1850. — So long a time has passed since
I kept a journal that I hardly know how to begin. Since
coming to the city I don't seem to have thought much,
60 Louisa May AlcotL
for the bustle and dirt and change send all lovely images
and restful feelings away. Among my hills and woods I
had fine free times alone, and though my thoughts were
silly, I daresay, they helped to keep me happy and good.
I see now what Nature did for me, and my " romantic
tastes," as people called that love of solitude and out-of-
door life, taught me much.
This summer, like the last, we shall spend in a large
house (Uncle May's, Atkinson Street), with many com
forts about us which we shall enjoy, and in the autumn I
hope I shall have something to show that the time has
not been wasted. Seventeen years have I lived, and yet
so little do I know, and so much remains to be done
before I begin to be what I desire, — a truly good and
useful woman.
In looking over our journals, Father says, "Anna's is
about other people, Louisa's about herself." That is
true, for I don't talk about myself ; yet must always
think of the wilful, moody girl I try to manage, and in
my journal I write of her to see how she gets on. Anna
is so good she need not take care of herself, and can
Enjoy other people. If I look in my glass, I try to keep
down vanity about my long hair, my well-shaped head,
and my good nose. In the street I try not to covet
fine things. My quick tongue is always getting me into
trouble, and my moodiness makes it hard to be cheerful
when I think how poor we are, how much worry it is
to live, and how many things I long to do I never can.
So every day is a battle, and I 'm so tired I don't
want to live ; only it 's cowardly to die till you have done
something.
I can't talk to any one but Mother about my troubles,
and she has so many now to bear I try not to add any
more. I know God is always ready to hear, but heaven 's
The Sentimental Period. 61
so far away In the city, and I so heavy I can't fly up to
find Him.
FAITH.
Written in the diary.
Oh, when the heart is full of fears
And the way seems dim to heaven,
When the sorrow and the care of years
Peace from the heart has driven, —
Then, through the mist of falling tears,
Look up and be forgiven.
Forgiven for the lack of faith
That made all dark to thee,
Let conscience o'er thy wayward soul
Have fullest mastery :
Hope on, fight on, and thou shalt win
A noble victory.
Though thou art weary and forlorn,
Let not thy heart's peace go ;
Though the riches of this world are gone>
And thy lot is care and woe,
Faint not, but journey hourly on •
True wealth is not below.
Through all the darkness still look up :
Let virtue be thy guide ;
Take thy draught from sorrow's cup,
Yet trustfully abide ;
Let not temptation vanquish thee,
And the Father will provide.
[We had small-pox in the family this summer, caught from
some poor immigrants whom mother took into our garden and
fed one day. We girls had it lightly, but Father and Mother
were very ill, and we had a curious time of exile, danger, and
trouble. No doctors, and all got well. — L. M. A.]
62 Louisa May Alcott.
July, 1850. — Anna is gone to L. after the varioloid.
She is to help Mrs. with her baby. I had to take
A.'s school of twenty in Canton Street. I like it better
than I thought, though it 's very hard to be patient with
the children sometimes. They seem happy, and learn
fast ; so I am encouraged, though at first it was very hard,
and I missed Anna so much I used to cry over my dinner
and be very blue. I guess this is the teaching I need ;
for as a school-marm I must behave myself and guard my
tongue and temper carefully, and set an example of
sweet manners.
I found one of mother's notes in my journal, so like
those she used to write me when she had more time. It
always encourages me ; and I wish some one would write
as helpfully to her, for she needs cheering up with all the
care she has. I often think what a hard life she has had
since she married, — so full of wandering and all sorts of
worry ! so different from her early easy days, the youngest
and most petted of her family. I think she is a very
brave, good woman ; and my dream is to have a lovely,
quiet home for her, with no debts or troubles to burden
her. But I 'm afraid she will be in heaven before I can
do it. Anna, too, she is feeble and homesick, and I miss
her dreadfully ; for she is my conscience, always true and
just and good. She must have a good time in a nice
little home of her own some day, as we often plan. But
waiting is so hard !
August, 1850. — School is hard work, and I feel as
though I should like to run away from it. But my
children get on; so I travel up every day, and do
my best.
I get very little time to write or think ; for my working
days have begun, and when school is over Anna wants
me ; so I have no quiet. I think a little solitude every
The Sentimental Period. 63
day is good for me. In the quiet I see my faults, and
try to mend them ; but, deary me, I don't get on at
all.
I used to imagine my mind a room in confusion, and
I was to put it in order ; so I swept out useless thoughts
and dusted foolish fancies away, and furnished it with
good resolutions and began again. But cobwebs get in.
I 'm not a good housekeeper, and never get my room in
nice order. I once wrote a poem about it when I was
fourteen, and called it " My Little Kingdom." It is still
hard to rule it, and always will be I think.
Reading Miss Bremer and Hawthorne. The " Scarlet
Letter" is my favorite. Mother likes Miss B. better, as
more wholesome. I fancy " lurid " things, if true and
strong also.
Anna wants to be an actress, and so do I. We could
make plenty of money perhaps, and it is a very gay life.
Mother says we are too young, and must wait. A. acts
often splendidly. I like tragic plays, and shall be a Sid-
dons if I can. We get up fine ones, and make harps,
castles, armor, dresses, water-falls, and thunder, and have
great fun.
It was at this period of her life that she was vio
lently attacked by a mania for the stage, and the
greater part of her leisure time was given to writing
and enacting dramas. Her older sister, Anna, had
the same taste, and assisted her in carrying out all
her plans. A family of great talent with whom
they were intimate joined with them, and their
mother always allowed them to have all the private
theatricals they wished to perform.
Some of these early plays are preserved in man
uscripts as she wrote them. They are written in
64 Louisa May Alcott.
stilted, melodramatic style, full of highstrung senti
ments of loyalty, honor and devotion, with the
most improbable incidents and violent devices, and
without a touch of common life or the slightest
flavor of humor. The idea of self-sacrifice always
comes into them ; but they are thoroughly girlish.
It is so that girls dream and feel before they know
life at all. Their hearts are full of vague, restless
longings, and they seek some vent for the repressed
energies of their natures away from the prosaic re
alities of the present. While Louisa sat sewing
the tedious seams of her daily task what a relief it
was to let her imagination run riot among the
wildest and most exciting scenes. Of course she
had a " Bandit's Bride " among her plays. " The
Captive of Castile ; or, The Moorish Maiden's
Vow," is preserved entire, and is a good specimen
of these girlish efforts. It is full of surprises
and concealments, and the denouement is as un
natural as could well be imagined. The dialogue
is often bright and forcible, and the sentiments
always lofty, and we have no doubt it seemed very
grand to the youthful audience. It is taken from
her reading, with no touch of her own life in it. This
is not the same play described with such a ludicrous
finale in " Little Women," although the heroine
bears the same favorite name of Zara. Her own
early amusement was, however, fully in her mind
when she wrote that scene, which is true to fact.
A friend and relative of the family living in Rox-
bury, Dr. Windship, was much interested in the
development of Louisa's dramatic talent. The
girls always enjoyed delightful visits at his house.
The Sentimental Period. 6$
He tried to help the young dramatist to public sue
cess, and writes to her mother : —
I have offered to Mr. Barry of the Boston Theatre
Louisa's " Prima Donnas." He is very much pleased
with it just as it is, and will bring it out this season in
good style. He thinks it will have a fine run.
Mrs. Barry and Mrs. Wood consented to take
the principal characters. But from some difficulty
in the arrangements " The Rival Prima Donnas"
was not produced. One great pleasure was gained,
however, as Mr. Barry gave her a free pass to the
theatre, which proved a source of constant refresh
ment and delight.
Of course Louisa was eager to go on to the stage
herself. She had indeed extraordinary dramatic
power, and could at any time quickly transform
herself into Hamlet, and recite a scene with tragic
effect. But the careful mother knew better than
the girl the trials and dangers of the profession,
and dissuaded her from it. She also knew how
little such youthful facility of expression indi
cates the power which will make a great actress.
Louisa has reproduced her dramatic experience in
" Work," which gives a picture faithful in spirit
and in many of its details to this phase of her life.
She here indicates a knowledge of her own limi
tation of talent. " Christie's gala" was a part quite
after her own heart.
A farce, called " Nat Batchelor's Pleasure Trip;
or, The Trials of a Good-natured Man," was brought
out at the Howard Athenaeum. The papers of the
day said of it: " It is a creditable first attempt at
66 Louisa May Alcott.
dramatic composition, and received frequent ap
plause." Another critic says: "It proved a full
success." This performance, however, took place
in 1860, — a later period than that of which I am
now speaking.
An incident which occurred at this representation
probably suggested scenes which recur in " Work "
and other of Miss Alcott's stories.
Quite a hit was made by a little girl, a Miss Jones,
who, having to speak but a few lines, spoke them so well
that upon her exit she received the rare compliment of an
enthusiastic recall from the audience, despite the fact
that " some necessary question of the play was then to be
considered." For the time being she certainly was the
sensation of the piece.
Miss Alcott had in Dr. Windship a kind and
judicious helper in her dramatic undertakings, with
whom she kept up a correspondence under the
names of Beaumont and Fletcher.
In 1851 Louisa had an experience which she has
reproduced in her story called " How I Went Out
to Service." Her mother's work among the poor
of Boston led to her being applied to for employ
ment, and at one time she kept a regular intelligence
office. A gentleman came to her seeking a com
panion for his aged father and sister, who was to
do only light work, and to be treated with the
greatest respect and kindness. As Mrs. Alcott did
not readily think of any who would fill the place,
the impulsive Louisa suggested, " Why could n't I
go, Mother ? " She went, and had two months of
disappointment and painful experience which she
The Sentimental Period. 67
never forgot. She wrote out the story which was
published later, called " How I Went Out to Ser
vice."
The story has an important lesson for those who
condemn severely young girls who prefer the more
independent life of the factory or shop to what
is considered the safety and comfort of service in
families. If a girl like Louisa Alcott, belonging to
a well-known, highly esteemed family, and herself
commanding respect by her abilities and character,
could be treated with such indignity by a family in
which no one would have feared to place her, how
much may not a poor unfriended girl be called
upon to endure !
Journal.
1851. — We went to a meeting, and heard splendid
speaking from Phillips, Channing, and others. People
were much excited, and cheered " Shadrack and liberty,"
groaned for " Webster and slavery," and made a great
noise. I felt ready to do anything, — fight or work, hoot
or cry, — and laid plans to free Simms. I shall be hor
ribly ashamed of my country if this thing happens and
the slave is taken back.
[He was. — L. M. A.]
1852. — High Street, Boston. — After the small-pox
summer, we went to a house in High Street. Mother
opened an intelligence office, which grew out of her city
missionary work and a desire to find places for good
girls. It was not fit work for her, but it paid ; and she
always did what came to her in the way of duty or char
ity, and let pride, taste, and comfort suffer for love's
sake.
68 Louisa May Alcott.
Anna and I taught ; Lizzie was our little housekeeper,
— our angel in a cellar kitchen ; May went to school ;
father wrote and talked when he could get classes or
conversations. Our poor little home had much love and
happiness in it, and was a shelter for lost girls, abused
wives, friendless children, and weak or wicked men.
Father and Mother had no money to give, but gave
them time, sympathy, help ; and if blessings would make
them rich, they would be millionnaires. This is practical
Christianity.
My first story was printed, and $5 paid for it. It was
written in Concord when I was sixteen. Great rubbish !
Read it aloud to sisters, and when they praised it, not
knowing the author, I proudly announced her name.
Made a resolution to read fewer novels, and those only
of the best. List of books I like : —
Carlyle's French Revolution and Miscellanies.
Hero and Hero- Worship.
Goethe's poems, plays, and novels.
Plutarch's Lives.
Madame Guion.
Paradise Lost and Comus.
Schiller's Plays.
Madame de Stae'l.
Bettine.
Louis XIV.
Jane Eyre.
Hypatia.
Philothea.
Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Emerson's Poems.
In " Little Women " (p. 174), she has told a story
which has usually been supposed to represent her
first success in literature; but she has transferred
the incident from her sister to her own represcnta-
The Sentimental Period. 69
tive, Jo. It was the quiet Anna who had secretly
written a story and fastened it inside of a news
paper. She read it to her mother and sisters, as
described in the book, and was very much de
lighted with their approbation and astonishment.
1853. — In January I started a little school, — E. W.,
W. A., two L's, two H's, — about a dozen in our parlor.
In May, when my school closed, I went to L. as second
girl. I needed the change, could do the wash, and was
glad to earn my $2 a week. Home in October with $34
for my wages. After two days' rest, began school again
with ten children. Anna went to Syracuse to teach ;
Father to the West to try his luck, — so poor, so hopeful,
so serene. God be with him ! Mother had several
boarders, and May got on well at school. Betty was
still the home bird, and had a little romance with C.
Pleasant letters from Father and Anna. A hard year.
Summer distasteful and lonely ; winter tiresome with
school and people I did n't like. I miss Anna, my one
bosom friend and comforter.
1854. — Pinckney Street. — I have neglected my jour
nal for months, so must write it up. School for me
month after month. Mother busy with boarders and
sewing. Father doing as well as a philosopher can in
a money-loving world. Anna at S.
I earned a good deal by sewing in the evening when
my day's work was done.
In February Father came home. Paid his way, but no
more. A dramatic scene when he arrived in the night.
We were waked by hearing the bell. Mother flew down,
crying " My husband ! " We rushed after, and five white
figures embraced the half-frozen wanderer who came in
hungry, tired, cold, and disappointed, but smiling bravely
70 Louisa May Alcott.
and as serene as ever. We fed and warmed and brooded
over him, longing to ask if he had made any money ; but
no one did till little May said, after he had told all the
pleasant things, " Well, did people pay you ? " Then,
with a queer look, he opened his pocket-book and
showed one dollar, saying with a smile that made our
eyes fill, " Only that ! My overcoat was stolen, and I
had to buy a shawl. Many promises were not kept, and
travelling is costly ; but I have opened the way, and
another year shall do better."
I shall never forget how beautifully Mother answered
him, though the dear, hopeful soul had built much on his
success ; but with a beaming face she kissed him, saying,
" I call that doing very well. Since you are safely home,
dear, we don't ask anything more."
Anna and I choked down our tears, and took a little
lesson in real love which we never forgot, nor the look
that the tired man and the tender woman gave one
another. It was half tragic and comic, for Father was
very dirty and sleepy, and Mother in a big nightcap and
funny old jacket.
[I began to see the strong contrasts and the fun and follies
in every-day life about this time. — L. M. A.]
Anna came home in March. Kept our school all
summer. I got "Flower Fables" ready to print.
Louisa also tried service with a relative in the
country for a short time, but teaching, sewing, and
writing were her principal occupations during this
residence in Boston.
These seven years, from Louisa's sixteenth to her
twenty-third year, might be called an apprentice
ship to life. She tried various paths, and learned
to know herself and the world about her, although
The Sentimental Period. 71
she was not even yet certain of success in the
way which finally opened before her and led her
so successfully to the accomplishment of her life-
purpose. She tried teaching, without satisfaction
to herself or perhaps to others. The kind of edu
cation she had herself received fitted her admirably
to understand and influence children, but not to
carry on the routine of a school. Sewing was her
resource when nothing else offered, but it is almost
pitiful to think of her as confined to such work
when great powers were lying dormant in her
mind. Still, Margaret Fuller said that a year of
enforced quiet in the country devoted mainly to
sewing was very useful to her, since she reviewed
and examined the treasures laid up in her memory ;
and doubtless Louisa Alcott thought out many a
story which afterward delighted the world while
her ringers busily plied the needle. Yet it was a
great deliverance when she first found that the
products of her brain would bring in the needed
money for family support.
L. in Boston to A. in Syracuse.
THURSDAY, 27th.
DEAREST NAN, — I was so glad to hear from you, and
frear that all were well.
I am grubbing away as usual, trying to get money
enough to buy Mother a nice warm shawl. I have eleven
dollars, all my own earnings, — five for a story, and four
for the pile of sewing I did for the ladies of Dr. Gray's
society, to give him as a present.
... I got a crimson ribbon for a bonnet for May, and
72 Louisa May Alcott,
I took my straw and fixed it nicely with some little duds I
had. Her old one has haunted me all winter, and I want
her to look neat. She is so graceful and pretty and loves
beauty so much, it is hard for her to be poor and wear
other people's ugly things. You and I have learned not
to mind much ; but when I think of her I long to dash
out and buy the finest hat the limited sum of ten dollars
can procure. She says so sweetly in one of her letters :
" It is hard sometimes to see other people have so many
nice things and I so few ; but I try not to be envious, but
contented with my poor clothes, and cheerful about it."
I hope the little dear will like the bonnet and the frills
I made her and some bows I fixed over from bright rib
bons L. W. threw away. I get half my rarities from her
rag-bag, and she does n't know her own rags when fixed
over. I hope I shall live to see the dear child in silk
and lace, with plenty of pictures and " bottles of cream,"
Europe, and all she longs for.
For our good little Betty, who is wearing all the old
gowns we left, I shall soon be able to buy a new one, and
send it with my blessing to the cheerful saint. She writes
me the funniest notes, and tries to keep the old folks
warm and make the lonely house in the snowbanks cosey
and bright.
To Father I shall send new neckties and some paper ;
then he will be happy, and can keep on with the beloved
diaries though the heavens fall.
Don't laugh at my plans ; I '11 carry them out, if I go
to service to do it. Seeing so much money flying about,
I long to honestly get a little and make my dear family
more comfortable. I feel weak-minded when I think of
all they need and the little I can do.
Now about you : Keep the money you have earned by
so many tears and sacrifices, and clothe yourself; for it
The Sentimental Period. 73
makes me mad to know that my good little lass is going
round in shabby things, and being looked down upon by
people who are not worthy to touch her patched shoes or
the hem of her ragged old gowns. Make yourself tidy,
and if any is left over send it to Mother ; for there are
always many things needed at home, though they won't
tell us. I only wish I too by any amount of weeping
and homesickness could earn as much. But my mite
won't come amiss ; and if tears can add to its value, I Ve
shed my quart, — first, over the book not coming out ; for
that was a sad blow, and I waited so long it was dreadful
when my castle in the air came tumbling about rny ears.
Pride made me laugh in public ; but I wailed in private,
and no one knew it. The folks at home think I rather
enjoyed it, for I wrote a joHy letter. But my visit was
spoiled ; and now I 'm digging away for dear life, that I
may not have come entirely in vain. I did n't mean to
groan about it ; but my lass and I must tell some one our
trials, and so it becomes easy to confide in one another.
I never let Mother know how unhappy you were in S. till
Uncle wrote.
My doings are not much this week. I sent a little tale
to the " Gazette," and Clapp asked H. W. if five dollars
would be enough. Cousin H. said yes, and gave it to me,
with kind words and a nice parcel of paper, saying in his
funny way, " Now, Lu, the door is open, go in and win."
So I shall try to do it. Then cousin L. W. said Mr.
B. had got my play, and told her that if Mrs. B. liked it
as well, it must be clever, and if it did n't cost too much,
he would bring it out by and by. Say nothing about it
yet. Dr. W. tells me Mr. F. is very sick ; so the farce
cannot be acted yet. But the Doctor is set on its com
ing out, and we have fun about it. H. W. takes me
often to the theatre when L. is done with me. I read to
74 Louisa May Alcott.
her all the P. M. often, as she is poorly, and in that way
I pay my debt to them.
I 'm writing another story for Clapp. I want more
fives, and mean to have them too.
Uncle wrote that you were Dr. W.'s pet teacher, and
every one loved you dearly. But if you are not well,
don't stay. Come home, and be cuddled by your
old Lu.
CHAPTER V.
AUTHORSHIP.
OUR ANGEL IN THE HOUSE.
SITTING patient in the shadow
Till the blessed light shall come,
A serene and saintly presence
Sanctifies our troubled home.
Earthly joys and hopes and sorrows
Break like ripples on the strand
Of the deep and solemn river,
Where her willing feet now stand.
O my sister, passing from me
Out of human care and strife,
Leave me as a gift those virtues
Which have beautified your life.
Dear, bequeath me that great patience
Which has power to sustain
A cheerful, uncomplaining spirit
In its prison-house of pain.
Give me — for I need it sorely —
Of that courage, wise and sweet,
Which has made the path of duty
Green beneath your willing feet.
Give me that unselfish nature
That with charity divine
Can pardon wrong for love's dear sake,
Meek heart, forgive me mine !
Thus our parting daily loseth
Something of its bitter pain,
And while learning this hard lesson
My great loss becomes my gain ;
76 Louisa May Alcott.
For the touch of grief will render
My wild nature more serene,
Give to life new aspirations,
A new trust in the unseen.
Henceforth safe across the river
I shall see forevermore
A beloved household spirit
Waiting for me on the shore ;
Hope and faith, born of my sorrow,
Guardian angels shall become ;
A.nd the sister gone before me
By their hands shall lead me home.
WHEN only twenty-two years old Miss Alcott
began her career of authorship by launch
ing a little flower bark, which floated gaily on the
stream. She had always written poems, plays, and
stories for her own and her friends' pleasure, and
now she gathered up some tales she had written
for Mr. Emerson's daughter, and published them
under the name of " Flower Fables." She received
the small amount of thirty-two dollars for the book ;
but it gave her the great satisfaction of having
earned it by work that she loved, and which she
could do well. She began to have applications for
stories from the papers; but as yet sewing and
teaching paid better than writing. While she sewed
her brain was busy with plans of poems, plays, and
tales, which she made use of at a later period.
The following letter to her mother shows Low
closely she associated her with this early suc
cess : —
20 PlNCKNEY STREET, BOSTON, Dec. 2$, 1854.
(With " Flower Fables.")
DEAR MOTHER, — Into your Christmas stocking I
have put my " first-born," knowing that you will accept
Authorship. 77
it with all its faults (for grandmothers are always kind),
and look upon it merely as an earnest of what I may yet
do ; for, with so much to cheer me on, I hope to pass in
time from fairies and fables to men and realities.
Whatever beauty or poetry is to be found in my little
book is owing to your interest in and encouragement of
all my efforts from the first to the last ; and if ever I do
anything to be proud of, my greatest happiness will be
that I can thank you for that, as I may do for all the good
there is in me ; and I shall be content to write if it gives
you pleasure.
Jo is fussing about ;
My lamp is going out.
To 4ear mother, with many kind wishes for a happy
New Year and merry Christmas.
I am ever your loving daughter
LOUY.
This letter shows that she had already begun to
see that she must study not only fairies and fan
cies, but men and realities ; and she now began to
observe life, not in books, but as it went on around
her. In the intense excitement of the anti-slavery
struggles of that period she might well learn how
full of dramatic situations and the elements of both
tragedy and comedy real human life is. She says :
" I began to see the strong contrasts and fun and
frolic in every day life about this time." She also
considered her reading, and tried to make it more
thorough and profitable; and she did not "waste
even ink on poems and fancies," but planned stories,
that everything might help toward her great ob
ject of earning support for her family.
78 Louisa May Alcott.
In June, 1855, Miss Alcott went to Walpole,
N. H., where she had a free life among the hills
for a few months. It must have been a great re
freshment to her after the winter's work in the city.
In July the family followed her thither, and occu
pied a small house. The country life and joy soon
began to find expression, and she wrote a little
story called " King Goldenrod," which she says
" ought to be fresh and true," as written at that beau
tiful time and place. But this pleasant country life
was for a short season only ; and in chill November
she set out for the city, with brave heart and scanty
outfit, to seek her fortune once more. While still
continuing to sew as a means of livelihood, she
began to try a great variety of literary ventures.
She wrote notices of books for the papers, arid at
one time got five dollars for a story, besides twelve
dollars for sewing. The following year the pub
lishers began to find out the value of her work, and
to call for more stories. Even her poems were ac
cepted. Little Nell was then the favorite heroine
of Dickens, and Louisa's poem on that subject was
published in the " Courier." Although she at first
enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Walpole, she found
the dull little town did not offer her the opportuni
ties for work that she needed ; and leaving her
family there, she came down to Boston to seek her
fortune, and went to the well-known boarding-
house of Mrs. David Reed on Chauncey Street.
The happy home which she had here during the
winter is represented as Mrs. Kirke's house in
" Little Women," and Jo's garret is the sky-parlor in
which she lived and wrote. She had a rich winter,
Authorship. 79
hearing many of the finest lectures, and enjoying
her free pass to the theatre. One of her greatest
helps, however, was the friendship of Theodore
Parker, who took great interest in her struggles,
and wisely strengthened and encouraged her. She
loved to go to his Sunday evening receptions, and
sit quietly watching the varied company who col
lected there ; and a word or pressure of the hand
from her host was enough to cheer her for the
whole week. She has gratefully recorded this in
fluence in her sketch of Mr. Power in " Work; "
but she has not given to that delineation the strik
ing personality of her subject which we should
have expected of her. She then perhaps looked up
to him too much to take note of the rich elements
of wit and humor in his nature, and has painted him
wholly seriously, and with a colorless brush.
Journal.
Twenty-two Years Old.
PINCKNEY STREET, BOSTON, Jan. i, 1855. — The prin
cipal event of the winter is the appearance of my book
" Flower Fables." An edition of sixteen hundred. It
has sold very well, and people seem to like it. I feel
quite proud that the little tales that I wrote for Ellen E.
when I was sixteen should now bring money and fame.
I will put in some of the notices as "varieties."
Mothers are always foolish over their first-born.
Miss Wealthy Stevens paid for the book, and I re
ceived $32.
[A pleasing contrast to the receipts of six months only in
1886, being $8000 for the sale of books, and no new one ;
but I was prouder over the $32 than the $8000. — L. M. A.,
1886.]
So Louisa May Alcott.
April, 1855. — I am in the garret with my papers
round me, and a pile of apples to eat while I write my
journal, plan stories, and enjoy the patter of rain on the
roof, in peace and quiet.
[Jo in the garret. — L. M. A.]
Being behindhand, as usual, I '11 make note of the
main events up to date, for I don't waste ink in poetry
and pages of rubbish now. I Ve begun to live, and have
no time for sentimental musing.
In October I began my school ; Father talked, Mother
looked after her boarders, and tried to help everybody.
Anna was in Syracuse teaching Mrs. S 's children.
My book came out ; and people began to think that
topsey-turvey Louisa would amount to something after
all, since she could do so well as housemaid, teacher,
seamstress, and story-teller. Perhaps she may.
In February I wrote a story for which C. paid $5, and
asked for more.
In March I wrote a farce for W. Warren, and Dr. W.
offered it to him ; but W. W. was too busy.
Also began another tale, but found little time to work
on it, with school, sewing, and house-work. My winter's
earnings are, —
School, one quarter ........ $50
Sewing $50
Stories $20
if I am ever paid.
A busy and a pleasant winter, because, though hard
at times, I do seem to be getting on a little ; and that
encourages me.
Have heard Lowell and Hedge lecture, acted in plays,
and thanks to our rag-money and good cousin H., have
been to the theatre several times, — always my great joy.
Authorship. 8 1
Summer plans are yet unsettled. Father wants to go
to England : not a wise idea, I think. We shall prob
ably stay here, and A. and I go into the country as gov
ernesses. It 's a queer way to live, but dramatic, and I
rather like it ; for we never know what is to come next.
We are real " Micawbers," and always " ready for a
spring."
I have planned another Christmas book, and hope to
be able to write it.
1855. — Cousin L. W. asks me to pass the summer at
Walpole with her. If I can get no teaching, I shall
go ; for I long for the hills, and can write my fairy tales
there.
I delivered my burlesque lecture on " Woman, and Her
Position ; by Oronthy Bluggage," last evening at Deacon
G.'s. Had a merry time, and was asked by Mr. W. to
do it at H. for money. Read " Hamlet " at our club,
— my favorite play. Saw Mrs. W. H. Smith about the
farce ; says she will do it at her benefit.
May. — Father went to C. to talk with Mr. Emerson
about the England trip. I am to go to Walpole. I have
made my own gowns, and had money enough to fit up
the girls. So glad to be independent.
[I wonder if $40 fitted up the whole family. Perhaps so,
as my wardrobe was made up of old clothes from cousins and
friends. — L. M. A.]
WALPOLE, N. H., June, 1855. — Pleasant journey and
a kind welcome. Lovely place, high among the hills.
So glad to run and skip in the woods and up the splendid
ravine. Shall write here, I know.
Helped cousin L. in her garden ; and the smell of
the fresh earth and the touch of green leaves did me
good.
6
82 Louisa May Alcott.
Mr. T. came and praised my first book, so I felt much
inspired to go and do another. I remember him at
Scituate years ago, when he was a young ship- builder and
I a curly-haired hoyden of five or six.
Up at five, and had a lovely run in the ravine, seeing
the woods wake. Planned a little tale which ought to be
fresh and true, as it came at that hour and place, —
" King Goldenrod." Have lively days, — writing in
A. M., driving in p. M., and fun in eve. My visit is doing
me much good.
July, 1855. — Read "Hyperion." On the i6th the
family came to live in Mr. W.'s house rent free. No
better plan offered, and we were all tired of the city.
Here Father can have a garden ; Mother can rest and be
near her good niece ; the children have freedom and fine
air; and A. and I can go from here to our teaching,
wherever it may be.
Busy and happy times as we settle in the little house
in the lane near by my dear ravine, — plays, picnics,
pleasant people, and good neighbors. Fanny Kemble
came up, Mrs. Kirkland and others, and Dr. Bellows
is the gayest of the gay. We acted the "Jacobite,"
"Rivals," and " Bonnycastles," to an audience of a hun
dred, and were noticed in the Boston papers. H. T.
was our manager, and Dr. B., D. D., our dramatic direc
tor. Anna was the star, her acting being really very
fine. I did " Mrs. Malaprop," " Widow Pottle," and the
old ladies.
Finished fairy book in September. Anna had an offer
from Dr. Wilbur of Syracuse to teach at the great idiot
asylum. She disliked it, but decided to go. Poor dear !
so beauty-loving, timid, and tender. It is a hard trial ;
but she is so self-sacrificing she tries to like it because it
is duty.
Authorship. 83
October. — A. to Syracuse. May illustrated my book,
and tales called " Christmas Elves." Better than " Flower
Fables." Now I must try to sell it.
[Innocent Louisa, to think that a Christmas book could
be sold in October. — L. M. A.]
November. — Decided to seek my fortune ; so, with
my little trunk of home-made clothes, $20 earned by
stories sent to the " Gazette," and my MSS., I set forth
with Mother's blessing one rainy day in the dullest month
in the year.
[My birth-month ; always to be a memorable one. —
L. M. A.]
Found it too late to do anything with the book, so put
it away and tried for teaching, sewing, or any honest
work. Won't go home to sit idle while I have a head
and pair of hands.
December. — H. and L. W. very kind, and my dear
cousins the Sewalls take me in. I sew for Mollie and
others, and write stories. C. gave me books to notice.
Heard Thackeray. Anxious times ; Anna very home-sick.
Walpole very cold and dull now the summer butterflies
have gone. Got $5 for a tale and $12 for sewing; sent
home a Christmas-box to cheer the dear souls in the
snow-banks.
January, 1856. — C. paid $6 for "A Sister's Trial,"
gave me more books to notice, and wants more tales.
[Should think he would at that price. — L. M. A.]
Sewed for L. W. Sewall and others. Mr. J. M. Field
took my farce to Mobile to bring out ; Mr. Barry of the
Boston Theatre has the play.
Heard Curtis lecture. Began a book for summer, —
" Beach Bubbles." Mr. F. of the " Courier " printed a
84 Louisa May Alcott.
poem of mine on " Little Nell." Got $10 for " Bertha,"
and saw great yellow placards stuck up announcing it.
Acted at the W.'s.
March. — Got $10 for " Genevieve." Prices go up,
as people like the tales and ask who wrote them. Fin
ished "Twelve Bubbles." Sewed a great deal, and got
very tired ; one job for Mr. G. of a dozen pillow-cases,
one dozen sheets, six fine cambric neckties, and two
dozen handkerchiefs, at which I had to work all one
night to get them done, as they were a gift to him. I
got only $4.
Sewing won't make my fortune ; but I can plan my
stories while I work, and then scribble 'em down on
Sundays.
Poem on " Little Paul ; " Curtis's lecture on " Dickens "
made it go well. Hear Emerson on " England."
May. — Anna came on her way home, sick and worn
out ; the work was too much for her. We had some
happy days visiting about. Could not dispose of B. B.
in book form, but C. took them for his paper. Mr. Field
died, so the farce fell through there. Altered the play
for Mrs. Barrow to bring out next winter.
June, 1856. — Home, to find dear Betty very ill with
scarlet-fever caught from some poor children Mother
nursed when they fell sick, living over a cellar where
pigs had been kept. The landlord (a deacon) would
not clean the place till ' Mother threatened to sue him
for allowing a nuisance. Too late to save two of the
poor babies or Lizzie and May from the fever.
[L. never recovered, but died of it two years later. —
L. M. A.]
An anxious time. I nursed, did house-work, and wrote
a story a month through the summer.
Dr. Bellows and Father had Sunday eve conversations.
Authorship. 85
October. — Pleasant letters from Father, who went on
a tour to N. Y., Philadelphia, and Boston.
Made plans to go to Boston for the winter, as there ^s
nothing to do here, and there I can support myself and
help the family. C. offers 10 dollars a month, and perhaps
more. L. W., M. S., and others, have plenty of sewing ;
the play may come out, and Mrs. R. will give me a sky-
parlor for $3 a week, with fire and board. I sew for
her also.
If I can get A. L. to governess I shall be all right.
I was born with a boy's spirit under my bib and tucker.
I can't wait when I can work ; so I took my little talent
in my hand and forced the world again, braver than
before and wiser for my failures.
[Jo in N. Y. — L. M. A.]
I don't often pray in words ; but when I set out that
day with all my worldly goods in the little old trunk, my
own earnings ($25) in my pocket, and much hope and
resolution in my soul, my heart was very full, and I said
to the Lord, " Help us all, and keep us for one another,"
as I never said it before, while I looked back at the dear
faces watching me, so full of love and hope and faith.
Journal.
BOSTON, November, 1856. Mrs. David Reed's. — I
find my little room up in the attic very cosey, and a
house full of boarders very amusing to study. Mrs.
Reed very kind. Fly round and take C. his stories.
Go to see Mrs. L. about A. Don't want me. A blow,
but I cheer up and hunt for sewing. Go to hear Parker,
and he does me good. Asks me to come Sunday eve
nings to his house. I did go there, and met Phillips,
Garrison, Hedge, and other great men, and sit in my
corner weekly, staring and enjoying myself.
86 Louisa May Alcott.
When I went Mr. Parker said, " God bless you, Louisa ;
come again ; " and the grasp of his hand gave me cour
age to face another anxious week.
November -^d. — Wrote all the morning. In the P.M.
went to see the Sumner reception as he comes home
after the Brooks affair. I saw him pass up Beacon
Street, pale and feeble, but smiling and bowing. I
rushed to Hancock Street, and was in time to see him
bring his proud old mother to the window when the
crowd gave three cheers for her. I cheered too, and
was very much excited. Mr. Parker met him somewhere
before the ceremony began, and the above P. cheered
like a boy ; and Sumner laughed and nodded as his friend
pranced and shouted, bareheaded and beaming.
My kind cousin, L. W., got tickets for a course of lec
tures on "Italian Literature," and seeing my old cloak sent
me a new one, with other needful and pretty things such
as girls love to have. I shall never forget how kind she
has always been to me.
November ^th. — Went with H. W. to see Manager
Barry about the everlasting play which is always coming
out but never comes. We went all over the great new
theatre, and I danced a jig on the immense stage. Mr.
B. was very kind, and gave me a pass to come whenever
I liked. This was such richness I did n't care if the play
was burnt on the spot, and went home full of joy. In
the eve I saw La Grange as Norma, and felt as if I
knew all about that place. Quite stage-struck, and imag
ined myself in her place, with white robes and oak-leaf
crown.
November 6th. — Sewed happily on my job of twelve
sheets for H. W., and put lots of good will into the work
after his kindness to me.
Walked to Roxbury to see cousin Dr. W. about the
Authorship. 87
play and tell the fine news. Rode home in the new cars,
and found them very nice.
In the eve went to teach at Warren Street Chapel
Charity School. \ '11 help as I am helped, if I can.
Mother says no one so poor he can't do a little for some
one poorer yet.
Sunday. — Heard Parker on " Individuality of Char
acter," and liked it much. In the eve I went to his
house. Mrs. Howe was there, and Sumner and others.
I sat in my usual corner, but Mr. P. came up and said,
in that cordial way of his, "Well, child, how goes it?"
" Pretty well, sir." " That 's brave ; " and with his warm
hand-shake he went on, leaving me both proud and
happy, though I have my trials. He is like a great fire
where all can come and be warmed and comforted.
Bless him !
Had a talk at tea about him, and fought for him when
W. R. said he was not a Christian. He is my sort'; for
though he may lack reverence for other people's God,
he works bravely for his own, and turns his back on no
one who needs help, as some of the pious do.
Monday, \^th. — May came full of expectation and
joy to visit good aunt B. and study drawing. We walked
about and had a good home talk, then my girl went off
to Auntie's to begin what I hope will be a pleasant and
profitable winter. She needs help to develop her talent,
and I can't give it to her.
Went to see Forrest as Othello. It is funny to see
how attentive all the once cool gentlemen are to Miss
Alcott now she has a pass to the new theatre.
November zyth. — My birthday. Felt forlorn so far
from home. Wrote all day. Seem to be getting on
slowly, so should be contented. To a little party at the
B.'s in the eve. May looked very pretty, and seemed
88 Louisa May Alcott.
to be a favorite. The boys teased me about being an
authoress, and I said I 'd be famous yet. Will if I can,
but something else may be better for me.
Found a pretty pin from Father and a nice letter when
I got home. Mr. H. brought them with letters from
Mother and Betty, so I went to bed happy.
December. — Busy with Christmas and New Year's
tales. Heard a good lecture by E. P. Whipple on
" Courage." Thought I needed it, being rather tired of
living like a spider, — spinning my brains out for money.
Wrote a story, " The Cross on the Church Tower,"
suggested by the tower before my window.
Called on Mrs. L., and she asked me to come and
teach A. for three hours each day. Just what I wanted ;
and the children's welcome was very pretty and com
forting to " Our Oily," as they call me.
Now board is all safe, and something over for home, if
stories and sewing fail. I don't do much, but can send
little comforts to Mother and Betty, and keep May neat.
December i%th. — Begin with A. L., in Beacon Street.
I taught C. when we lived in High Street, A. in Pinckney
Street, and now Al. ; so I seem to be an institution and a
success, since I can start the boy, teach one girl, and
take care of the little invalid. It is hard work, but I can
do it ; and am glad to sit in a large, fine room part of
each day, after my sky-parlor, which has nothing pretty
in it, and only the gray tower and blue sky outside as I
sit at the window writing. I love luxury, but freedom
and independence better.
To her Father ', written from Mrs. Reed ' s.
BOSTON, Nov. 29, 1856.
DEAREST FATHER, — Your little parcel was very wel
come to me as I sat alone in my room, with snow falling
Authorship. 89
fast outside, and a few tears in (for birthdays are dismal
times to rne) ; and the fine letter, the pretty gift, and,
most of all, the loving thought so kindly taken for your
old absent daughter, made the cold, dark day as warm
and bright as summer to me.
And now, with the birthday pin upon my bosom, many
thanks on my lips, and a whole heart full of love for its
giver, I will tell you a little about my doings, stupid as
they will seem after your own grand proceedings. How I
wish I could be with you, enjoying what I have always
longed for, — fine people, fine amusements, and fine
books. But as I can't, I am glad you are ; for I love to
see your name first among the lecturers, to hear it kindly
spoken of in papers and inquired about by good people
here, — to say nothing of the delight and pride I take in
seeing you at last filling the place you are so fitted for,
and which you have waited for so long and patiently.
If the New Yorkers raise a statue to the modern Plato,
it will be a wise and highly creditable action.
I am very well and very happy. Things go smoothly,
and I think I shall come out right, and prove that though
an Alcott I can support myself. I like the independent
feeling ; and though not an easy life, it is a free one, and
I enjoy it. I can't do much with my hands ; so I will
make a battering-ram of my head and make a way through
this rough-and-tumble world. I have very pleasant lec
tures to amuse my evenings, — Professor Gajani on
" Italian Reformers," the Mercantile Library course,
Whipple, Beecher, and others, and, best of all, a free pass
at the Boston Theatre. I saw Mr. Barry, and he gave it
to me with many kind speeches, and promises to bring
out the play very soon. I hope he will.
My farce is in the hands of Mrs. W. H. Smith, who
90 Louisa May Alcott.
acts at Laura Keene's theatre in New York. She took
it, saying she would bring it out there. If you see or
hear anything about it, let me know. I want something
doing. My mornings are spent in writing. C. takes one
a month, and I am to see Mr. B., who may take some of
my wares.
In the afternoons I walk and visit my hundred rela
tions, who are all kind and friendly, and seem interested
in our various successes.
Sunday evenings I go to Parker's parlor, and there meet
Phillips, Garrison, Scherb, Sanborn, and many other pleas
ant people. All talk, and I sit in a corner listening, and
wishing a certain placid gray-haired gentleman was there
talking too. Mrs. Parker calls on me, reads my stories,
and is very good to me. Theodore asks Louisa " how
her worthy parents do," and is otherwise very friendly to
the large, bashful girl who adorns his parlor steadily.
Abby is preparing for a busy and, I hope, a profitable
winter. She has music lessons already, French and draw
ing in store, and, if her eyes hold out, will keep her word
and become what none of us can be, " an accomplished
Alcott." Now, dear Father, I shall hope to hear from
you occasionally, and will gladly answer all epistles from
the Plato whose parlor parish is becoming quite famous.
I got the "Tribune," but not the letter, and shall look it
up. I have been meaning to write, but did not know
where you were.
Good-by, and a happy birthday from your ever loving
child, LOUISA.
Journal.
Twenty-four Years Old.
January, 1857. — Had my first new silk dress from
good little L. W., — very fine ; and I felt as if all the
Authorship. 91
Hancocks and Quincys beheld me as I went to two
parties in it on New Year's eve.
A busy, happy month, — taught, wrote, sewed, read
aloud to the " little mother," and went often to the
theatre ; heard good lectures ; and enjoyed my Parker
evenings very much.
Father came to see me on his way home ; little
money ; had had a good time, and was asked to come
again. Why don't rich people who enjoy his talk pay
for it ? Philosophers are always poor, and too modest to
pass round their own hats.
Sent by him a good bundle to the poor Forlornites
among the ten- foot drifts in W.
February. — Ran home as a valentine on the i4th.
March. — Have several irons in the fire now, and try
to keep 'em all hot.
April. — May did a crayon head of Mother with Mrs.
Murdock; very good likeness. All of us as proud as
peacocks of our " little Raphael."
Heard Mrs. Butler read ; very fine.
May. — Left the L.'s with my thirty-three dollars ;
glad to rest. May went home with her picture, happy
in her winter's work and success.
Father had three talks at W. F. Channing's. Good
company, — Emerson, Mrs. Howe, and the rest.
Saw young Booth in Brutus, and liked him better than
his father ; went about and rested after my labors ; glad
to be with Father, who enjoyed Boston and friends.
Home on the loth, passing Sunday at the Emerson's.
I have done what I planned, — supported myself, written
eight stories, taught four months, earned a hundred dol
lars, and sent money home.
June. — All happy together. My dear Nan was with
me, and we had good times. Betty was feeble, but
92 Louisa May Alcott.
seemed to cheer up for a time. The long, cold, lonely
winter has been too hard for the frail creature, and we are
all anxious about her. I fear she may slip away ; for she
never seemed to care much for this world beyond home.
So gradually the day seemed to be coming to
which Louisa had long looked forward. She found
that she could be independent, could help her fam
ily, and even indulge some of her own tastes.
About this time Miss Alcott mentions a young
friend who died in her arms, and speaks of going
to console the sister in her loneliness. This
shows how warmly her heart beat for others while
her head was so busy with her ambitious plans.
She speaks also of the hint of a new story called
" The Cost of an Idea." She never lost sight of
this plan, but did not carry it out. Her father's
life and character were in her mind, and she longed
to portray the conflict between his high ideal and
the practical difficulties of his life ; but it was an
impossible subject. The Fruitlands episode was
told in " Transcendental Wild Oats," and his early
life in " Elis's Education." But although her ad
miration and affection for him are abundantly shown
in her journals, she never perhaps understood him
so thoroughly that she could adequately portray
his personality; neither could she do justice to all
related to him without trenching upon the privacy
due to sacred feelings.
A great shadow fell over Louisa's heart and life
from the increasing illness of her dear younger sister
Elizabeth. This young girl was tenderly beloved
by all the family, and was indeed as pure, refined,
ORCHARD HOUSE, CONCORD, MASS.
Home of the Alcott Family, 1858.
Authorship. 93
and holy as she is represented as Beth in " Little
Women." Her decay was very gradual, and she
was so patient and sweet that the sad time of anx
iety was a very precious one in remembrance.
This sickness added to the pecuniary burdens of
the family, and eight years afterward Louisa paid
the bill of the physician who attended her sister.
In October, 1857, the family removed again to
Concord, and Louisa remained at home to assist in
the care of the beloved invalid. They lived a few
months in a part of a house which they hired until
the Orchard House, which they had bought, was
ready for them. Here the dear sister's life came
to a close.
This was the first break in the household, and
the mother's heart never fully recovered from it.
Louisa accepted death with strong, sweet wisdom.
It never seemed to have any terror for her.
In July they took possession of the Orchard
House, which was hereafter the permanent resi
dence of the family. This was a picturesque old
house on the side of a hill, with an orchard of ap
ple-trees. It was not far from Mr. Emerson's, and
within walking distance of the village, yet very
quiet and rural. Mr. Alcott had his library, and
was always very happy there ; but Louisa's heart
never clung to it.
The engagement of the elder sister was a very
exciting event to Louisa, who did not like having
the old sisterly relation broken in upon ; but every
thing was so genuine and true in the love of the
new^y betrothed pair that she could not help ac
cepting the change as a blessing to her sister and
94 Louisa May Alcott.
taking the new brother into her heart. The entries
in her journal show that the picture she has drawn
in " Little Women " of this noble man is from life,
and not exaggerated.
Louisa went to Boston for a visit, and again had
hopes of going on to the stage ; but an accident
prevented it ; and she returned to Concord and her
writing, working off her disappointment in a story
called " Only an Actress."
Among her experiences at this time was an offer
of marriage, about which she consulted her mother,
telling her that she did not care for the lover very
much. The wise mother saved her from the impulse
to self-sacrifice, which might have led her to accept a
position which would have given help to the family.
Although this was not the only instance of offers
of marriage, more or less advantageous, made to
her, Louisa had no inclination toward matrimony.
Her heart was bound up in her family, and she could
hardly contemplate her own interests as separate
from theirs. She loved activity, freedom, and inde
pendence. She could not cherish illusions ten
derly; and she always said that she got tired of
everybody, and felt sure that she should of her
husband if she married. She never wished to
make her heroines marry, and the love story is the
part of her books for which she cared least. She
yielded to the desire of the public, who will not
accept life without a recognition of this great joy
in it. Still it must be acknowledged that she has
sometimes painted very sweet and natural love
scenes, although more often in quaint and homely
guise than in the fashion of ancient romance.
Authorship. 95
" King of Clubs and Queen of Hearts " is very
prettily told ; and " Mrs. Todger's Teapot " is true
to that quiet, earnest affection which does not pass
away with youth.
The writing went on, and she received five, six,
or ten dollars apiece for her stories ; but she did
not yet venture to give up the sewing and teaching,
which was still the sure reliance.
Her younger sister now began to exercise her
talent, and illustrated a little book of Louisa's called
" Christmas Elves," which she says is better than
" Flower Fables."
Journal.
Read Charlotte Brontes life. A very interesting, but
sad one. So full of talent ; and after working long, just
as success, love, and happiness come, she dies.
Wonder if I shall ever be famous enough for people to
care to read my story and struggles. I can't be a C. B.,
but I may do a little something yet.
July. — Grandma Alcott came to visit us. A sweet
old lady ; and I am glad to know her, and see where
Father got his nature. Eighty-four ; yet very smart, in
dustrious, and wise. A house needs a grandma in it.
As we sat talking over Father's boyhood, I never real
ized so plainly before how much he has done for himself.
His early life sounded like a pretty old romance, and
Mother added the love passages.
I got a hint for a story ; and some day will do it, and
call it "The Cost of an Idea." Spindle Hill, Temple
School, Fruitlands, Boston, and Concord, would make
fine chapters. The trials and triumphs of the Pathetic
Family would make a capital book ; may I live to do it.
August. — A sad, anxious month. Betty worse ; Mother
96 Louisa May Alcott.
takes her to the seashore. Father decides to go back to
Concord ; he is never happy far from Emerson, the one
true friend who loves and understands and helps him.
September. — An old house near R. W. E.'s is bought
with Mother's money, and we propose to move. Mother
in Boston with poor Betty, who is failing fast. Anna and
I have a hard time breaking up.
October. — Move to Concord. Take half a house in
town till spring, when the old one is to be made ready.
Find dear Betty a shadow, but sweet and patient
always. Fit up a nice room for her, and hope home
and love and care may keep her.
People kind and friendly, and the old place looks
pleasant, though I never want to live in it.
November. — Father goes West, taking Grandma home.
We settle down to our winter, whatever it is to be. Liz
zie seems better, and we have some plays. Sanborn's
school makes things lively, and we act a good deal.
Twenty-five this month. I feel my quarter of a cen
tury rather heavy on my shoulders just now. I lead two
lives. One seems gay with plays, etc., the other very sad,
— in Betty's room ; for though she wishes us to act, and
loves to see us get ready, the shadow is there, and Mother
and I see it. Betty loves to have me with her ; and I am
with her at night, for Mother needs rest. Betty says she
feels "strong" when I am near. So glad to be of use.
December. — Some fine plays for charity.
January, 1858. — Lizzie much worse ; Dr. G. says there
is no hope. A hard thing to hear ; but if she is only to
suffer, I pray she may go soon. She was glad to know
she was to " get well," as she called it, and we tried to
bear it bravely for her sake. We gave up plays ; Father
came home ; and Anna took the housekeeping, so that
Mother and I could devote ourselves to her. Sad, quiet
Authorship. 97
days in her room, and strange nights keeping up the fire
and watching the dear little shadow try to wile away the
long sleepless hours without troubling me. She sews,
reads, sings softly, and lies looking at the fire, — so sweet
and patient and so worn, my heart is broken to see the
change. I wrote some lines one night on " Our Angel in
the House."
[Jo and Beth. — L. M. A.]
February. — A mild month; Betty very comfortable,
and we hope a little.
Dear Betty is slipping away, and every hour is too
precious to waste, so I '11 keep my lamentations over
Nan's [affairs] till this duty is over.
Lizzie makes little things, and drops them out of win
dows to the school-children, smiling to see their surprise.
In the night she tells me to be Mrs. Gamp, when I give
her her lunch, and tries to be gay that I may keep up.
Dear little saint ! I shall be better all my life for these
sad hours with you.
March i^th. — My dear Beth died at three this morn
ing, after two years of patient pain. Last week she put
her work away, saying the needle was " too heavy," and
having given us her few possessions, made ready for the
parting in her own simple, quiet way. For two days she
suffered much, begging for ether, though its effect was
gone. Tuesday she fay in Father's arms, and called
us round her, smiling contentedly as she said, "All
here ! " I think she bid us good-by then, as she held
our hands and kissed us tenderly. Saturday she slept,
and at midnight became unconscious, quietly breathing
her life away till three ; then, with one last look of the
beautiful eyes, she was gone.
A curious thing happened, and I will tell it here, for
98 Louisa May Alcott.
Dr. G. said it was a fact. A few moments after the last
breath came, as Mother and I sat silently watching the
shadow fall on the dear little face, I saw a light mist
rise from the body, and float up and vanish in the air.
Mother's eyes followed mine, and when I said, " What
did you see?" she described the same light mist. Dr.
G. said it was the life departing visibly.
For the last time we dressed her in her usual cap and
gown, and laid her on her bed, — at rest at last. What
she had suffeied was seen in the face ; for at twenty- three
she looked like a woman of forty, so worn was she, and
all her pretty hair gone.
On Monday Dr. Huntington read the Chapel service,
and we sang her favorite hymn. Mr. Emerson, Henry
Thoreau, Sanborn, and John Pratt, carried her out of the
old home to the new one at Sleepy Hollow chosen by
herself. So the first break comes, and I know what
death means, — a liberator for her, a teacher for us.
April. — Came to occupy one wing of Hawthorne's
house (once ours) while the new one was being re
paired. Father, Mother, and I kept house together;
May being in Boston, Anna at Pratt Farm, and, for the
first time, Lizzie absent. I don't miss her as I expected
to do, for she seems nearer and dearer than before ; and I
am glad to know she is safe from pain and age in some
world where her innocent soul must be happy.
Death never seemed terrible to me, and now is
beautiful; so I cannot fear it, but find it friendly and
wonderful.
May. — A lonely month with all the girls gone, and
Father and Mother absorbed in the old house, which I
don't care about, not liking Concord.
On the yth of April, Anna came walking in to tell us
she was engaged to John Pratt ; so another sister is gone.
Atitkorship. 99
J. is a model son and brother, — a true man, — full of fine
possibilities, but so modest one does not see it at once.
He is handsome, healthy, and happy; just home from
the West, and so full of love he is pleasant to look at.
I moaned in private over my great loss, and said I 'd
never forgive J. for taking Anna from me ; but I shall if
he makes her happy, and turn to little May for my comfort.
[Now that John is dead, I can truly say we all had cause
to bless the day he came into the family ; for we gained a
son and brother, and Anna the best husband ever known.
For ten years he made her home a little heaven of love
and peace ; and when he died he left her the legacy of a beau
tiful life, and an honest name to his little sons. — L. M. A.r
1873-]
June. — The girls came home, and I went to visit L. W.
in Boston. Saw Charlotte Cushman, and had a stage-
struck fit. Dr. W. asked Barry to let me act at his
theatre, and he agreed. I was to do Widow Pottle, as
the dress was a good disguise and I knew the part well.
It was all a secret, and I had hopes of trying a new life ;
the old one being so changed now, I felt as if I must
find interest in something absorbing. But Mr. B. broke
his leg, so I had to give it up ; and when it was known,
the dear, respectable relations were horrified at the idea.
I '11 try again by-and-by, and see if I have the gift. Per
haps it is acting, not writing, I 'm meant for. Nature
must have a vent somehow.
July. — \Vent into the new house and began to settle.
Father is happy ; Mother glad to be at rest ; Anna is in
bliss with her gentle John ; and May busy over her pic
tures. I have plans simmering, but must sweep and dust
and wash my dish-pans a while longer till I see my way.
Worked off my stage fever in writing a story, and felt
better ; also a moral tale, and got twenty-five dollars,
ioo Louisa May Alcott.
which pieced up our summer gowns and bonnets all
round. The inside of my head can at least cover the
outside.
August. — Much company to see the new house. All
seem to be glad that the wandering family is anchored at
last. We won't move again for twenty years if I can help
it. The old people need an abiding place; and now
that death and love have taken two of us away, I can, I
hope, soon manage to care for the remaining four.
The weeklies will all take stories ; and I can simmer
novels while I do my housework, so see my way to a little
money, and perhaps more by-and-by if I ever make a hit.
Probably owing to the excitement of grief for
her sister's death, and sympathy in Anna's happy
betrothal, Louisa became in October more discour
aged than she had ever been, and went to Boston
in search of work. As she walked over the mill-
dam the running stream brought the thought of
the River of Death, which would end all troubles.
It was but a momentary impulse, and the brave
young heart rallied to the thought, "There is work
for me, and I '11 have it ! " Her journal narrates
how Mr. Parker helped her through this period of
anxiety. She was all ready to go to Lancaster,
to hard drudgery at sewing, when her old place as
governess was again offered to her, and her own
support was assured.
October. — "Went to Boston on my usual hunt for em
ployment, as I am not needed at home and seem to be
the only bread-winner just now.
My fit of despair was soon over, for it seemed so
cowardly to run away before the battle was over I
Authorship. 101
couldn't do it. So I said firmly, "There is work for
me, and I '11 have it," and went home resolved to take
Fate by the throat and shake a living out of her.
Sunday Mr. Parker preached a sermon on " Laborious
Young Women." Just what I needed; for it said:
''Trust your fellow-beings, and let them help you.
Don't be too proud to ask, and accept the humblest
work till you can find the task you want."
" I will," said I, and went to Mr. P.'s. He was out ;
but I told Mrs. P. my wants, and she kindly said Theo
dore and Hannah would be sure to have something for
me. As I went home I met Mrs. L., who had not
wanted me, as Alice went to school. She asked if I was
engaged, and said A. did not do well, and she thought
perhaps they would like me back. I was rejoiced, and
went home feeling that the tide had begun to turn.
Next day came Miss H. S. to offer me a place at the
Girls' Reform School at Lancaster, to sew ten hours
a day, make and mend. I said I 'd go, as I could do
anything with a needle ; but added, if Mrs. L. wants me
I 'd rather do that.
" Of course you had. Take it if it comes, and if not,
try my work." I promised and waited. That eve, when
my bag was packed and all was ready for Lancaster,
came a note from Mrs. L. offering the old salary and the
old place. I sang for joy, and next day early posted off
to Miss S. She was glad and shook hands, saying, " It
was a test, my dear, and you stood it. When I told
Mr. P. that you would go, he said, ' That is a true girl ;
Louisa will succeed.' "
I was very proud and happy ; for these things are
tests of character as well as courage, and I covet the
respect of such true people as Mr. P. and Miss S.
So away to my little girl with a bright heart ! for with
IO2 Louisa May Alcott.
tales, and sewing for Mary, which pays my board, there I
am fixed for the winter and my cares over. Thank the
Lord!
She now found publishers eager for her stories,
and went on writing for them. She was encour
aged by E. P. Whipple's praise of " Mark Field's
Mistake," and by earning thirty dollars, most of
which she sent home.
Journal.
Earned thirty dollars ; sent twenty home. Heard
Curtis, Parker, Higginson, and Mrs. Ball lecture. See
Booth's Hamlet, and my ideal done at last.
My twenty-sixth birthday on the 291)1. Some sweet
letters from home, and a ring of A.'s and J.'s hair as a
peace-offering. A quiet day, with many thoughts and
memories.
The past year has brought us the first death and be
trothal, — two events that change my life. I can see that
these experiences have taken a deep hold, and changed
or developed me. Lizzie helps me spiritually, and a
little success makes me more self-reliant. Now that
Mother is too tired to be wearied with my moods, I have
to manage them alone, and am learning that work of
head and hand is my salvation when disappointment or
weariness burden and darken my soul.
In my sorrow I think I instinctively came nearer to
God, and found comfort in the knowledge that he was
sure to help when nothing else could.
A great grief has taught me more than any minister,
and when feeling most alone I find refuge in the Almighty
Friend. If this is experiencing religion I have done it ;
but I think it is only the lesson one must learn as it
comes, and I am glad to know it.
Authorship. 103
After my fit of despair I seem to be braver and more
cheerful, and grub away with a good heart. Hope it
will last, for I need all the courage and comfort I can get.
- I feel as if I could write better now, — more truly of
things I have felt and therefore know. I hope I shall
yet do my great book, for that seems to be my work,
and I am growing up to it. I even think of trying the
" Atlantic." There 's ambition for you ! I 'm sure some
of the stories are very flat. If Mr. L. takes the one Father
carried to him, I shall think I can do something.
December. — Father started on his tour West full of
hope. Dear man ! How happy he will be if people will
only listen to and pay for his wisdom.
May came to B. and stayed with me while she took
drawing lessons. Christmas at home. Write an Indian
story.
January, 1859. — Send a parcel home to Marmee
and Nan.
Mother very ill. Home to nurse her for a week.
Wonder if I ought not to be a nurse, as I seem to have
a gift for it. Lizzie, L. W., and Mother all say so ; and I
like it. If I could n't write or act I 'd try it. May yet.
$21 from L. ; $15 home.
Some day I '11 do my best, and get well paid for it.
[$3,000 for a short serial in 1876. True prophet. — L. M. A.]
WTrote a sequel to " Mark Field." Had a queer time
over it, getting up at night to write it, being too full to
sleep.
March. — " Mark " was a success, and much praised.
So I found the divine afflatus did descend. Busy life
teaching, writing, sewing, getting all I can from lectures,
books, and good people. Life is my college. May I
graduate well, and earn some honors !
IO4 Louisa May Alcott.
April. — May went home after a happy winter at the
School of Design, where she did finely, and was pro
nounced full of promise. Mr. T. said good things of
her, and we were very proud. No doubt now what she
is to be, if we can only keep her along.
I went home also, being done with A., who went out
of town early. Won't teach any more if I can help it ;
don't like it ; and if I can get writing enough can do
much better.
I have done more than I hoped. Supported myself,
helped May, and sent something home. Not borrowed
a penny, and had only five dollars given me. So my
third campaign ends well.
May. — Took care of L. W., who was ill. Walked from
C. to B. one day, twenty miles, in five hours, and went
to a party in the evening. Not very tired. Well done
for a vegetable production !
June. — Took two children to board and teach. A
busy month, as Anna was in B.
September. — Great State Encampment here. Town
full of soldiers, with military fuss and feathers. I like a
camp, and long for a war, to see how it all seems. I
can't fight, but I can nurse.
[Prophetic again. — L. M. A.]
October, 1859. — May did a fine copy of Emerson's
Endymion * for me.
Mother sixty. God bless the dear, brave woman !
Good news of Parker in Florence, — my beloved
minister and friend. To him and R. W. E. I owe
much of my education. May I be a worthy pupil of
such men !
November. — Hurrah ! My story was accepted ; and
Lowell asked if it was not a translation from the German,
1 A fine bas-relief owned by Mr. Emerson.
Authorship. 105
it was so unlike most tales. I felt much set up, and my
fifty dollars will be very happy money. People seem to
think it a great thing to get into the "Atlantic;" but
I Ve not been pegging away all these years in vain, and
may yet have books and publishers and a fortune of my
own. Success has gone to my head, and I wander a
little. Twenty-seven years old, and very happy.
The Harper's Ferry tragedy makes this a memorable
month. Glad I have lived to see the Antislavery move
ment and this last heroic act in it. Wish I could do my
part in it.
December, 1859. — The execution of Saint John the Just
took place on the second. A meeting at the hall, and
all Concord was there. Emerson, Thoreau, Father, and
Sanborn spoke, and all were full of reverence and admi
ration for the martyr.
I made some verses on it, and sent them to the
" Liberator."
A sickness of Mrs. Alcott through which she
nursed her makes Louisa question whether nursing
is not her true vocation. She had an opportunity
to try it later.
Much interest attaches to this period of Louisa's
work, when she dashed off sensational stories as
fast as they were wanted, from the account which
she has given of it in " Little Women." She has
concentrated into one short period there the work
and the feelings of a much longer time. She cer
tainly did let her fancy run riot in these tales, and
they were as sensational as the penny papers de
sired. She had a passion for wild, adventurous
life, and even for lurid passion and melodramatic
action, which she could indulge to the utmost in
io6 Louisa May Alcott.
these stories. Louisa was always a creature of
moods ; and it was a great relief to work off cer
tain feelings by the safe vent of imaginary persons
and scenes in a story. She had no one to guide
or criticise her ; and the fact that these gambols of
fancy brought the much-needed money, and were,
as she truly called them, " pot boilers," certainly
did not discourage her from indulging in them.
She is probably right in calling most of them " trash
and rubbish," for she was yet an unformed girl,
and had not studied herself or life very deeply ; but
her own severe condemnation of them in "Little
Women" might give a false idea. The stories are
never coarse or immoral. They give a lurid, un
natural picture of life, but sin is not made capti
vating or immorality attractive. There is often a
severe moral enforced. They did not give poison
to her readers, only over-seasoned unnatural food,
which might destroy the relish for wholesome men
tal nourishment.
We are inclined to ask, What did Louisa herself
get out of this wild, Walpurgis-Night ride among
ghosts and goblins, letting her fancy run riot, and
indulging every mood as it rose? Did it not give
her the dash and freedom in writing which we find
in all her books, a command of language, and a
recognition of the glow and force of life? She
finds life no mere commonplace drudgery, but
full of great possibilities. Did it not also give
her an interest in all the wild fancies and dreams
of girls, all the longing for adventure of boys,
and make her hopeful even of the veriest young
scamps that they would work off the turbulent
Authorship. 107
energies of youth safely if activities were wisely
provided for them?
No writer for children ever was so fully recog
nized as understanding them. They never felt
that she stood on a pinnacle of wisdom to cen
sure them, but came right down into their midst
to work and play with them, and at the same time
to show them the path out of the tangled thickets,
and to help them to see light in their gloomiest
despair.
Yet she unquestionably recognized that she was
not doing the best work cf which she was capable ;
and she looked forward still to the books she was
to write, as well as the fortune she was to make.
She did not like any reference to these sensational
stories in after life, although she sometimes re-used
plots or incidents in them ; and she was very un
willing to have them republished.
Boston Bulletin, — Ninth Issue.
SUNDAY EVE, November, 1858.
MY BLESSED NAN, — Having finished my story, I can
refresh my soul by a scribble to you, though I have noth
ing to tell of much interest.
Mrs. L. is to pay me my " celery " each month, as she
likes to settle all bills in that way ; so yesterday she put
$20.85 mto my willing hands, and gave me Satur
day p. M. for a holiday. This unexpected $20, with the
$10 for my story (if I get it) and $5 for sewing, will
give me the immense sum of $35. I shall get a second
hand carpet for the little parlor, a bonnet for you, and
some shoes and stockings for myself, as three times round
the Common in cold weather conduces to chilblains,
io8 Louisa May Alcott.
owing to stockings with a profusion of toe, but no heel,
and shoes with plenty of heel, but a paucity of toe. The
prejudices of society demand that my feet be covered in
the houses of the rich and great ; so I shall hose and shoe
myself, and if any of my fortune is left, will invest it in the
Alcott Sinking Fund, the Micawber R. R., and the Skim-
pole three per cents.
Tell me how much carpet you need, and T. S. will find
me a good one. In December I shall have another $20 ;
so let me know what is wanting, and don't live on " five
pounds of rice and a couple of quarts of split peas " all
winter, I beg.
How did you like " Mark Field's Mistake "? I don't
know whether it is good or bad ; but it will keep the pot
boiling, and I ask no more. I wanted to go and see if
" Hope's Treasures " was accepted, but was afeared. M.
and H. both appeared ; but one fell asleep, and the other
forgot to remember ; so I still wait like Patience on a
hard chair, smiling at an inkstand. Miss K. asked me to
go to see Booth for the last time on Saturday. Upon
that ravishing thought I brooded all the week very mer
rily, and I danced, sang, and clashed my cymbals daily.
Saturday A. M. Miss K. sent word she could n't go, and
from my pinnacle of joy I was precipitated into an abyss
of woe. While in said abyss Mrs. L. put the $20 into
my hands. That was a moment of awful trial. Every
one of those dollars cried aloud, " What, ho ! Come
hither, and be happy ! " But eight cold feet on a straw
carpet marched to and fro so pathetically that I locked
up the tempting fiend, and fell to sewing, as a Saturday
treat !
But, lo ! virtue was rewarded. Mrs. H. came flying
in, and took me to the Museum to see " Gold " and
" Lend Me Five Shillings." Warren, in an orange tie, red
Authorship. 109
coat, white satin vest, and scarlet ribbons on his ankles,
was the funniest creature you ever saw ; and I laughed till
I cried, — which was better for me than the melancholy
Dane, I dare say.
I 'm disgusted with this letter ; for I always begin try
ing to be proper and neat ; but my pen will not keep in
order, and ink has a tendency to splash when used copi
ously and with rapidity. I have to be so moral and so
dignified nowadays that the jocosity of my nature will gush
out when it gets a chance, and the consequences are, as
you see, -rubbish. But you like it ; so let 's be merry
while we may, for to-morrow is Monday, and the weekly
grind begins again.
CHAPTER VI.
THE YEAR OF GOOD LUCK.
•
THE CHILDREN'S SONG
Tune. — " Wait for the Wagon."
THE world lies fair about us, and a friendly sky above ;
Our lives are full of sunshine, our homes are full of love ;
Few cares or sorrows sadden the beauty of our day ;
We gather simple pleasures like daisies by the way.
CJwrus. — Oh ! sing with cheery voices,
Like robins on the tree ;
For little lads and lasses
As blithe of heart should be.
The village is our fairyland : its good men are our kings ;
And wandering through its by-ways our busy minds find wings.
The school-room is our garden, and we the flowers there,
And kind hands tend and water us that we may blossom fair.
Chorus. — Oh ! dance in airy circles,
Like fairies on the lee ;
For little lads and lasses
As light of foot should be.
There 's the Shepherd of the sheepfold ; the Father of the vines ;
The Hermit of blue Walden ; the Poet of the pines ;
And a Friend who comes among us, with counsels wise and mi!4
With snow upon his forehead, yet at heart a very child.
Chorus. — Oh ! smile as smiles the river,
Slow rippling to the sea ;
For little lads and lasses
As full of peace should be.
The Year of Good Luck. ill
There 's not a cloud in heaven but drops its silent dew ;
No violet in the meadow but blesses with its blue ;
No happy child in Concord who may not do its part
To make the great world better by innocence of heart.
Chorus. — Oh ! blossom in the sunshine
Beneath the village tree ;
For little lads and lasses
Are the fairest flowers we see.
A FTER such long and hard struggles, it is
JL\ pleasant to find the diary for 1860 headed
" A Year of Good Luck." The appointment of
Mr. Alcott as Superintendent of Schools in Con
cord was a great happiness to the family. It was
a recognition of his character and ability, and gave
him congenial occupation and some small pecuniary
compensation.
Louisa was writing for the " Atlantic," and re
ceiving better pay for her work ; Anna was happy ;
and May absorbed in her art.
In the summer Miss Alcott had an experience in
caring for a young friend during a temporary fit of
insanity, which she has partially reproduced in the
touching picture of Helen in the story of " Work."
It is a powerful lesson ; but it is almost cruelly en
forced, and is an artistic blemish in the book. While
the great problem of heredity should be studied and
its lessons enforced, it is yet a mystery, whose laws
are not understood ; and it is not wise to paint its
possible effects in the lurid light of excited imagi
nation, which may too often bring about the very
evils which a wise and temperate caution might
prevent. For the physician and teacher such in
vestigations are important ; but they are dangerous
to the young and sensitive.
112 Louisa May Alcctt.
The following unusually long letter gives a pleas
ing picture of the family life at this time : —
To Mrs. Bond.
APPLE SLUMP, S~pt. 17, 1860.
DEAR AUNTIE, — I consider this a practical illustration
of one of Mother's naughty amended sayings, " Cast your
bread upon the waters, and after many days it will return
buttered ; " and this " rule of three " don't " puzzle me,"
as the other did ; for my venerable raiment went away
with one if not two feet in the grave, and came back in
the guise of three stout angels, having been resurrection-
ized by the spirit who lives on the other side of a Charles
River Jordan. Thank you very much, and be sure the
dreams I dream in them will be pleasant ones ; for,
whether you sewed them or not, I know they bring some
of the Auntie influence in their strength, softness, and
warmth ; and, though a Vandal, I think any prayers I may
say in them will be the better for the affectionate recol
lections that will clothe me with the putting on of these
friendly gowns, while my belief in both heavenly and
earthly providences will be amazingly strengthened by
the knowledge of some lives here, whose beauty renders
it impossible to doubt the existence of the life hereafter.
We were very glad to hear that the Papa was better ;
for when paternal " Richards " ain't " themselves," every
body knows the anxious state of the domestic realms.
I hope Georgie (last name disremembered) has re
covered from the anguish of discontented teeth and berry-
seeds, and that " the Mama " was as much benefited by
the trip as the other parties were, barring the horse
perhaps.
This amiable town is convulsed just now with a gym
nastic fever, which shows itself with great violence in all
The Year of Good Luck. 113
the schools, and young societies generally. Dr. Lewis
has " inoculated us for the disease," and it has " taken
finely ; " for every one has become a perambulating
windmill, with all its four sails going as if a wind had set
in ; and the most virulent cases present the phenomena
of black eyes and excoriation of the knobby parts of the
frame, to say nothing of sprains and breakage of vessels
looming in the future.
The City Fathers approve of it ; and the city sons
and daughters intend to show that Concord has as much
muscle as brain, and be ready for another Concord fight,
if Louis Napoleon sees fit to covet this famous land of
Emerson, Hawthorne, Thorcau, Alcott, & Co. Abby and
I are among the pioneers ; and the delicate vegetable
productions clash their cymbals in private, when the beef-
eating young ladies faint away and become superfluous
dumb belles.
Saturday we had J. G. Whittier, Charlotte Cushman,
Miss Stebbins the sculptress, and Mr. Stuart, conductor
of the underground railroad of this charming free coun
try. So you see our humble place of abode is perking
up ; and when the " great authoress and artist " are fairly
out of the shell, we shall be an honor to our country and
terror to the foe, — provided good fortune don't addle or
bad fortune smash us.
Father continues to stir up the schools like a mild
pudding-stick, Mother to sing Hebron among her pots
and pans, Anna and the Prince Consort to bill and coo
in the little dove-cot, Oranthy Bluggage to launch chips
on the Atlantic and make a gigantic blot of herself in
working the vessel, Abby to teach the fine arts and play
propriety for the family, and the old house to put its best
foot foremost and hoot at the idea of ever returning to
the chaos from which it came.
114 Louisa May Alcott.
This is a condensed history of " the pathetic family,"
which is also a " happy family," owing to the prevalence
of friends and lots of kindness in the original packages,
" which are always arriving " when the " Widow Cruise's
oil-bottle " begins to give out.
You know I never could do anything in a neat and
proper manner ; so you will receive this topsy-turvy note
as you do its writer, and with love to all from all, believe
her, dear auntie,
Ever lovingly yours,
L. M. A.
This characteristic letter not only shows Louisa's
affectionate feelings and gives a picture of her life,
but indicates that " The Pathetic Family," which
was the foundation of " Little Women," was already
shaping itself in her mind.
Mr. Alcott's career as Superintendent of Schools
was a gratifying success, and is still remembered
by friends of education in the town. The year
closed with a school festival, for which Louisa
wrote a poem, and in which she took hearty
delight.
In 1 86 1 war was declared with the South. The
Alcotts were all alive with patriotic enthusiasm,
and Louisa took an active part in fitting off the
boys for the army. But she also found time for
much reading. Mr. Alcott, in his sonnet, uses the
expression about Louisa —
" Hast with grave studies vexed a lively brain."
He may possibly have referred to this period,
though she could never properly be called a student.
The Year of Good Luck. 115
She was a rapid, intelligent reader, and her taste
was severe and keen. From her childhood she
had browsed in her father's library, full of the
works of ancient philosophers and quaint English
poets, and had imbibed from them great thoughts
and noble sentiments ; but her reading, like all her
education, was immethodical. Occasionally she
would lay out courses of reading, which she pur
sued for a time ; but in general she followed the
cravings of a healthy appetite for knowledge, read
ing what came in her way. Later in life she often
read light literature in abundance, to drown the
sensations of pain, and to pass away the hours of
invalidism.
She read French easily, and learned to speak it
when abroad; she also studied German, but did
not acquire equal facility in that tongue. Of
ancient languages she had no knowledge. His
tory could not fail to interest such a student of
life, and she loved Nature too well not to enjoy
the revelations of science when brought to her no
tice ; but she had never time to give to a thorough
study of either.
In her journal at this time she speaks of her
religious feelings, which the experiences of grief
and despair and reviving hope had deepened.
Louisa Alcott's was a truly religious soul ; she
always lived in the consciousness of a Higher
Power sustaining and blessing her, whose presence
was revealed to her through Nature, through the
inspired words of great thinkers and the deep ex
periences of her own heart. She never held her
life as an isolated possession which she was free to
u6 Louisa May Alcott.
use for her own enjoyment or glory. Her father
truly called her " Duty's faithful child," and her
life was consecrated to the duty she recognized as
specially hers. But for outward forms and rites of
religion she cared little ; her home was sacred to her,
and she found her best life there. She loved Theo
dore Parker, and found great strength and help
from his preaching, and afterward liked to listen to
Dr. Bartol ; but she never joined any church. The
Bible was not her favorite reading, though her
father had read it much to her in her childhood,
with his own peculiar charm of interpretation.
Pilgrim's Progress was one of the few religious
books which became dear to her in the same
way.
Her sister Anna was married in May ; this was
of course a great event in the family. While fully
rejoicing in her sister's happiness, Louisa felt her
loss as a constant companion and confidant. The
journal gives a sufficient description of the event.
Her strong affection for her brother-in-law appears
in "Little Women" and in "Jo's Boys." About
this time her farce was brought out at the Howard
Athenaeum.
The story-writing continued, as it helped to pay
the expenses of the family ; but the continuous,
hurried work had begun to affect her health, and
she occasionally suffered from illness.
In the summer of 1861 Miss Alcott began to
write her first novel, entitled " Moods ; " this proved
to be the least successful of her books, and yet like
many an unfortunate child, it was the dearest to
the mother's heart. It was not written for money,
The Year of Good Luck. 117
but for its own sake, and she was possessed by the
plot and the characters. Warwick represented her
ideal of a hero, while her sister preferred the type
of the amiable Moor; yet there is far less of her
outward self revealed in this than in her other
stories. It is full of her thoughts and fancies, but
not of her life. The wilful, moody, charming Syl
via does not affect us like the stormy Jo, who is
a real presence to us, and whom we take to our
hearts in spite of her faults. The men are such as
she found in books, but had never known herself,
and, carefully as she has drawn them, have not
the individuality of Laurie and Professor Bhaer.
The action takes place in an unreal world; and
though there are many pretty scenes, they have
not the real flavor of New England life. The
principal incident, of a young girl going up the
river on a picnic-voyage for some days with her
brother and two other young men, was so con
trary to common ideas of decorum, that the motive
hardly seems sufficient for the staid sister's con
sent ; but in the simple, innocent life which the
Alcotts lived in Concord such scruples were little
felt.
Miss Alcott did not lay stress upon the marriage
question as the principal feature of the book ; she
cared more to describe the wilful moods of a
young girl, full of good feelings, and longing for a
rich and noble life, but not established in convic
tions and principles. She meant to represent
much of her own nature in Sylvia, for she was
always a creature of moods, which her family
learned to recognize and respect. But how
Ii8 Louisa May Alcott.
unlike was the discipline of family work and
love, which saved Louisa from fatal caprices and
fitful gusts of fancy called passion, to the lot of
the wealthy and admired Sylvia. Miss Alcott
says that the incidents of the marriage, although
not drawn from life, were so close to an actual
case that the wife asked her how she had known
her secret; but such realism is a poor justi
fication in art. It is that which becomes true to
the imagination and heart through its vivid per
sonation of character which is accepted, not the
bare facts. The great question of the transcen
dental period was truth to the inward life instead
of the outward law. But in " Moods " the mar
riage question is not stated strongly; it does not
reach down to this central principle. It is only in
tragedy that such a double relation could be en
dured, when the situation is compelled by fate, —
the fate of character and overpowering circum
stances, — and when there is no happy solution
possible. But Sylvia's position is made only by
her own weakness, and the love which stands in
opposition to outward duty has no right of exist
ence. If her love for Warwick could be overcome,
there was no question of her duty ; and when she
accepts Faith's criticism of him, it is clear that it is
a much lighter spell than love which has fascinated
her. We do not accept the catastrophe which
sacrifices a splendid life to make a comfortable
solution of the practical difficulty, and to allow
Sylvia to accept a happy home without a thorough
regeneration of heart and mind. But these were
the natural mistakes of youth and inexperience ;
The Year of Good Luck. 119
Louisa had known but little of such struggles.
Love and marriage were rather uninteresting
themes to her, and she had not yet found her
^rue power.
Still the book has great literary merit. It is well
written, in a more finished style than any of her
other work, except " Modern Mephistopheles," and
the dialogue is vigorous and sprightly. In spite of
her careful revision and pruning, there is something
left of youthful gush in it, and this perhaps touched
the heart of young girls, who found in Sylvia's
troubles with herself a reflection of their own.
The " golden wedding" scenes have some of her
usual freedom and vivacity. She is at home with
a troop of mothers and babies and noisy boys.
But the "golden wedding" was a new importation
from Germany, and not at home in the New Eng
land farmhouse. Why might it not have been a
true wedding or a harvest feast?
Louisa never lost her interest in this early work,
though it was the most unlucky of books, and sub
jected to severe handling. It was sent to and fro
from publisher to author, each one suggesting some
change. Redpath sent it back as being too long.
Ticknor found it very interesting, but could not
use it then. Loring liked it, but wanted it shorter.
She condensed and altered until her author's spirit
rebelled, and she declared she would change it no
more.
After her other books had made her famous,
"Moods" was again brought forward and repub-
lished as it was originally written. It met with
warmer welcome than before, and a cheap edition
I2O Louisa May Alcott.
was published in England to supply the popular
demand.
Miss Alcott learned the first painful lesson of
over-work on this book. She was possessed by it,
and for three weeks labored so constantly that she
felt the physical effects keenly. Fortunately new
household tasks (for the daughters of John Brown
came to board with them), and the enthusiasm of
the time, changed the current of her thoughts.
Journal.
February, 1860. — Mr. won't have " M. L.," as
it is antislavery, and the dear South must not be offended.
Got a carpet with my $50, and wild Louisa's head kept
the feet of the family warm.
March. — Wrote "A Modern Cinderella," with Nan
for the heroine and John for the hero.
Made my first ball dress for May, and she was the
finest girl at the party. My tall, blond, graceful girl ! I
was proud of her.
Wrote a song for the school festival, and heard it sung
by four hundred happy children. Father got up the
affair, and such a pretty affair was never seen in Concord
before. He said, " We spend much on our cattle and
flower shows; let us each spring have a show of our
children, and begrudge nothing for their culture." All
liked it but the old fogies who want things as they were
in the ark.
April. — Made two riding habits, and May and I had
some fine rides. Both needed exercise, and this was
good for us. So one of our dreams came true, and we
really did " dash away on horseback."
Sanborn was nearly kidnapped for being a friend of
John Brown ; but his sister and A. W. rescued him when
The Year of Good Luck. 121
he was handcuffed, and the scamps drove off. Great
ferment in town. A meeting and general flurry.
Had a funny lover who met me in the cars, and said
he lost his heart at once. Handsome man of forty. A
Southerner, and very demonstrative and gushing, called
and wished to pay his addresses ; and being told I did n't
wish to see him, retired, to write letters and haunt the
road with his hat off, while the girls laughed and had
great fun over Jo's lover. He went at last, and peace
reigned. My adorers are all queer.
Sent " Cinderella" to the "Atlantic," and it was ac
cepted. Began " By the River," and thought that this
was certainly to be a lucky year ; for after ten years hard
climbing I had reached a good perch on the ladder, and
could look more hopefully into the future, while my paper
boats sailed gaily over the Atlantic.
May. — Meg's wedding.
My farce was acted, and I went to see it. Not very
well done ; but I sat in a box, and the good Doctor
handed up a bouquet to the author, and made as much
as he could of a small affair.
Saw Anna's honeymoon home at Chelsea, — a little cot
tage in a blooming apple- orchard. Pretty place, simple
and sweet. God bless it !
The dear girl was married on the 23d, the same day
as Mother's wedding. A lovely day ; the house full of
sunshine, flowers, friends, and happiness. Uncle S. J.
May married them, with no fuss, but much love ; and we
all stood round her. She in her silver-gray silk, with
lilies of the valley (John's flower) in her bosom and
hair. We in gray thin stuff and roses, — sackcloth, I
called it, and ashes of roses ; for I mourn the loss of
my Nan, and am not comforted. We have had a little
feast, sent by good Mrs. Judge Shaw ; then the old
122 Louisa May Alcott.
folks danced round the bridal pair on the lawn in the
German fashion, making a pretty picture to remember,
under our Revolutionary elm.
Then, with tears and kisses, our dear girl, in her little
white bonnet, went happily away with her good John ;
and we ended our first wedding. Mr. Emerson kissed
her ; and I thought that honor would make even matri
mony endurable, for he is the god of my idolatry, and
has been for years.
June. — To Boston to the memorial meeting for Mr.
Parker, which was very beautiful, and proved how much
he was beloved. Music Hall was full of flowers and sun
shine, and hundreds of faces, both sad and proud, as the
various speakers told the life of love and labor which
makes Theodore Parker's memory so rich a legacy to
Boston. I was very glad to have known so good a man,
and been called " friend " by him.
Saw Nan in her nest, where she and her mate live
like a pair of turtle doves. Very sweet and pretty, but
I 'd rather be a free spinster and paddle my own canoe.
August. — " Moods." Genius burned so fiercely that
for four weeks I wrote all day and planned nearly all
night, being quite possessed by my work. I was per
fectly happy, and seemed to have no wants. Finished
the book, or a rough draught of it, and put it away to
settle. Mr. Emerson offered to read it when Mother
told him it was "Moods" and had one of his sayings
for motto.
Daresay nothing will ever come of it ; but it had to be
done, and I 'm the richer for a new experience.
September. — Received $75 of Ticknor for "Cinder
ella," and feel very rich. Emerson praised it, and people
wrote to me about it and patted me on the head. Paid
bills, and began to simmer another.
The Year of Good Luck. 123
October. — I went to B. and saw the Prince of Wales
trot over the Common with his train at a review. A
yellow-haired laddie very like his mother. Fanny W.
and I nodded and waved as he passed, and he openly
winked his boyish eye at us ; for Fanny, with her yellow
curls and wild waving, looked rather rowdy, and the poor
little prince wanted some fun. We laughed, and thought
that we had been more distinguished by the saucy wink
than by a stately bow. Boys are always jolly, — even
princes.
Read Richter, and enjoyed him very much.
Mother went to see Uncle S. J. May, and I was house
keeper. Gave my mind to it so energetically that I
dreamed dip-toast, talked apple-sauce, thought pies, and
wept drop-cakes. Read my book to Nan, who came up
to cheer me in my struggles ; and she laughed and cried
over it and said it was "good." So I felt encouraged,
and will touch it up when duty no longer orders me to
make a burnt- offering of myself.
November. — Father sixty-one ; L. aged twenty-eight.
Our birthday. Gave Father a ream of paper, and he gave
me Emerson's picture ; so both were happy.
Wrote little, being busy with visitors. The John Brown
Association asked me for a poem, which I wrote.
Kind Miss R. sent May $30 for lessons, so she went to
B. to take some of Johnstone. She is one of the for
tunate ones, and gets what she wants easily. I have to
grub for my help, or go without it. Good for me, doubt
less, or it would n't be so ; so cheer up, Louisa, and grind
away !
December. — More luck for May. She wanted to go
to Syracuse and teach, and Dr. W. sends for her, thanks to
Uncle S. J. May. I sew like a steam-engine for a week,
and get her ready. On the i yth go to B. and see our
124 Louisa May Alcott.
youngest start on her first little flight alone into the world,
full of hope and courage. May all go well with her !
Mr. Emerson invited me to his class when they meet
to talk on Genius ; a great honor, as all the learned
ladies go.
Sent " Debby's Debit " to the " Atlantic," and they
took it. Asked to the John Brown meeting, but had no
"good gown," so didn't go; but my "pome" did, and
came out in the paper. Not good. I 'm a better patriot
than poet, and could n't say what I felt.
A quiet Christmas ; no presents but apples and flowers.
No merry-making; for Nan and May were gone, and
Betty under the snow. But we are used to hard times,
and, as Mother says, " while there is a famine in Kansas
we mustn't ask for sugar-plums."
All the philosophy in our house is not in the study ;
a good deal is in the kitchen, where a fine old lady
thinks high thoughts and does kind deeds while she
cooks and scrubs.
January, 1861. — Twenty- eight ; received thirteen
New Year's gifts. A most uncommon fit of generosity
seemed to seize people on my behalf, and I was blessed
with all manner of nice things, from a gold and ivory
pen to a mince-pie and a bonnet.
Wrote on a new book — " Success " [" Work "] — till
Mother fell ill, when I corked up my inkstand and turned
nurse. The dear woman was very ill, but rose up like
a phoenix from her ashes after what she gayly called
" the irrepressible conflict between sickness and the May
constitution."
Father had four talks at Emerson's; good people
came, and he enjoyed them much ; made $30. R. W. E.
probably put in $20. He has a sweet way of bestowing
gifts on the table under a book or behind a candle-stick,
The Year of Good Luck. 125
when he thinks Father wants a little money, and no one
will help him earn. A true friend is this tender and
illustrious man.
Wrote a tale and put it away, — to be sent when
" Debby " comes out. " F. T." appeared, and I got a
dress, having mended my six-year old silk till it is more
patch and tear than gown. Made the claret merino my
self, and enjoyed it, as I do anything bought with my
" head-money."
February. — Another turn at " Moods," which I re
modelled. From the 2d to the 25th I sat writing, with
a run at dusk ; could not sleep, and for three days was so
full of it I could not stop to get up. Mother made me
a green silk cap with a red bow, to match the old green
and red party wrap, which I wore as a " glory cloak."
Thus arrayed I sat in groves of manuscripts, " living for
immortality," as May said. Mother wandered in and out
with cordial cups of tea, worried because I could n't eat.
Father thought it fine, and brought his reddest apples
and hardest cider for my Pegasus to feed upon. All sorts
of fun was going on ; but I did n't care if the world re
turned to chaos if I and my inkstand only " lit " in the
same place.
It was very pleasant and queer while it lasted ; but
after three weeks of it I found that my mind was too
rampant for my body, as my head was dizzy, legs shaky,
and no sleep would come. So I dropped the pen, and
took long walks, cold baths, and had Nan up to frolic
with me. Read all I had done to my family ; and Father
said : " Emerson must see this. Where did you get your
metaphysics?" Mother pronounced it wonderful, and
Anna laughed and cried, as she always does, over my
works, saying, " My dear, I 'm proud of you."
So I had a good time, even if it never comes to any-
126 Louisa May Alcott.
thing; for it was worth something to have my three
dearest sit up till midnight listening with wide-open
eyes to Lu's first novel.
I planned it some time ago, and have had it in my
mind ever so long ; but now it begins to take shape.
Father had his usual school festival, and Emerson asked
me to write a song, which I did. On the 1 6th the schools
all met in the hall (four hundred), — a pretty posy bed,
with a border of proud parents and friends. Some of the
fogies objected to the names Phillips and John Brown.
But Emerson said: "Give it up? No, no ; /will read
it." Which he did, to my great contentment ; for when
the great man of the town says " Do it," the thing is
done. So the choir warbled, and the Alcotts were uplifted
in their vain minds.
Father was in glory, like a happy shepherd with a large
flock of sportive lambs ; for all did something. Each
school had its badge, — one pink ribbons, one green
shoulder-knots, and one wreaths of pop-corn on the
curly pates. One school to whom Father had read Pil
grim's Progress told the story, one child after the other
popping up to say his or her part ; and at the end a little
tot walked forward, saying with a pretty air of wonder, —
" And behold it was all a dream."
When all was over, and Father about to dismiss them,
F. H., a tall, handsome lad came to him, and looking up
confidingly to the benign old face, asked " our dear friend
Mr. Alcott to accept of Pilgrim's Progress and George ,
Herbert's Poems from the children of Concord, as a token
of their love and respect."
Father was much touched and surprised, and blushed
and stammered like a boy, hugging the fine books while
the children cheered till the roof rung.
His report was much admired, and a thousand copies
The Year of Good Luck. 127
printed to supply the demand ; for it was a new thing to
have a report, neither dry nor dull ; and teachers were
glad of the hints given, making education a part of
religion, not a mere bread-making grind for teacher and
an irksome cram for children.
April. — War declared with the South, and our Con
cord company went to Washington. A busy time getting
them ready, and a sad day seeing them off; for in a little
town like this we all seem like one family in times like
these. At the station the scene was very dramatic, as the
brave boys went away perhaps never to come back again.
I Ve often longed to see a war, and now I have my
wish. I long to be a man ; but as I can't fight, I will
content myself with working for those who can.
Sewed a good deal getting May's summer things in
order, as she sent for me to make and mend and buy and
send her outfit.
Stories simmered in my brain, demanding to be writ ;
but I let them simmer, knowing that the longer the divine
afflatus was bottled up the better it would be.
John Brown's daughters came to board, and upset
my plans of rest and writing when the report and the
sewing were done. I had my fit of woe up garret on
the fat rag-bag, and then put my papers away, and
fell to work at housekeeping. I think disappointment
must be good for me, I get so much of it; and the
constant thumping Fate gives me may be a mellowing
process ; so I shall be a ripe and sweet old pippin be
fore I die.
May. — Spent our May-day working for our men, —
three hundred women all sewing together at the hall for
two days.
May will not return to S. after her vacation in July ; and
being a lucky -puss, just as she wants something to do,
128 Louisa May Alcott.
F. B. S. needs a drawing teacher in his school and offers
her the place.
Nan found that I was wearing all the old clothes she
and May left ; so the two dear souls clubbed together
and got me some new ones ; and the great parcel, with a
loving letter, came to me as a beautiful surprise.
Nan and John walked up from Cambridge for a day,
and we all walked back. Took a sail to the forts, and
saw our men on guard there. Felt very martial and
Joan-of-Arc-y as I stood on the walls with the flag flying
over me and cannon all about.
June. — Read a good deal ; grubbed in my garden,
and made the old house pretty for May. Enjoyed
Carlyle's French Revolution very much. His earthquaky
style suits me.
"Charles Auchester " is charming, — a sort of fairy
tale for grown people. Dear old " Evelina," as a change,
was pleasant. Emerson recommended Hodson's India,
and I got it, and liked it ; also read Sir Thomas More's
Life. I read Fielding's " Amelia," and thought it coarse
and queer. The heroine having " her lovely nose smashed
all to bits falling from a post shay" was a new idea.
What some one says of Richardson applies to Fielding,
" The virtues of his heroes are the vices of decent
men."
July. — Spent a month at the White Mountains with
L. W., — a lovely time, and it did me much good.
Mountains are restful and uplifting to my mind. Lived
in the woods, and revelled in brooks, birds, p:ness and
peace.
Augtist. — May came home very tired, but satisfied
with her first attempt, which has been very successful in
every way. She is quite a belle now, and much improved,
— a tall blond lass, full of grace and spirit.
The Year of Good Luck. 129
September. — Ticknor sent $50. Wrote a story for C.,
as Plato needs new shirts, and Minerva a pair of boots,
and Hebe a fall hat.
October. — All together on Marmee's birthday. Sew
ing and knitting for " our boys " all the time. It seems
as if a few energetic women could carry on the war better
than the men do it so far.
A week with Nan in the dove-cot. As happy as
ever.
November and December. — Wrote, read, sewed, and
wanted something to do.
In 1862, at the suggestion of Miss Peabody,
Miss Alcott opened a Kindergarten school; but
it was not successful, and she took a final leave
of the teacher's profession, and returned to her
writing, which she found to be her true calling.
She wrote much ; for " brain was lively, and
work paid for readily." Besides the occasional
stories in papers and magazines, her most im
portant labor was the preparation of the story
called " Work," or, as she originally named it,
" Success." This story however was not pub
lished until ten years later. Here she took the
road that was later to lead to fame and fortune, by
writing from her own experience of life. Christie
is Louisa herself under very thin disguise; and
all her own experiences, as servant, governess,
companion, seamstress, and actress are brought
in to give vividness to the picture ; while many
other persons may be recognized as models for
her skilful portraiture. The book has always been
deservedly popular.
130 Louisa May Alcott.
January, 1862. — E. P. Peabody wanted me to open
a Kindergarten, and Mr. Barnard gave a room at the
Warren Street Chapel. Don't like to teach, but take
what comes ; so when Mr. F. offered $40 to fit up with,
twelve pupils, and his patronage, I began.
Saw many great people, and found them no bigger than
the rest of the world, — often not half so good as some
humble soul who made no noise. I learned a good deal
in my way, and am not half so much impressed by society
as before I got a peep at it. Having known Emerson,
Parker, Phillips, and that set of really great and good
men and women living for the world's work and service
of God, the mere show people seem rather small and
silly, though they shine well, and feel that they are
stars.
February. — Visited about, as my school did not bring
enough to pay board and the assistant I was made to
have, though I didn't want her.
Went to lectures ; saw Booth at the Goulds', — a hand
some, shy man, glooming in a corner.
Very tired of this wandering life and distasteful work ;
but kept my word and tugged on.
Hate to visit people who only ask me to help amuse
others, and often longed for a crust in a garret with free
dom and a pen. I never knew before what insolent
things a hostess can do, nor what false positions poverty
can push one into.
April. — Went to and from C. every day that I might
be at home. Forty miles a day is dull work ; but I have
my dear people at night, and am not a beggar.
Wrote " King of Clubs," — $30. The school having
no real foundation (as the people who sent did n't care
for Kindergartens, and Miss P. wanted me to take pupils
for nothing, to try the new system), I gave it up, as I
The Year of Good Luck. 131
could do much better at something else. May took my
place for a month, that I might keep my part of the bar
gain; and I cleaned house, and wrote a story which
made more than all my months of teaching. They ended
in a wasted winter and a debt of $40, — to be paid if I
sell my hair to do it.
May. — School finished for me, and I paid Miss N.
by giving her all the furniture, and leaving her to do as
she liked ; while I went back to my writing, which pays
much better, though Mr. F. did say, " Stick to your teach
ing ; you can't write." Being wilful, I said, " I won't
teach ; and I can write, and I '11 prove it."
Saw Miss Rebecca Harding, author of " Margret
Howth," which has made a stir, and is very good. A
handsome, fresh, quiet woman, who says she never had
any troubles, though she writes about woes. I told her
I had had lots of troubles ; so I write jolly tales ; and we
wondered why we each did so.
June, July, August. — Wrote a tale for B., and he lost
it, and would n't pay.
Wrote two tales for L. I enjoy romancing to suit my
self ; and though my tales are silly, they are not bad ;
and my sinners always have a good spot somewhere. I
hope it is good drill for fancy and language, for I can do
it fast ; and Mr. L. says my tales are so " dramatic, vivid,
and full of plot, " they are just what he wants.
September, October. — Sewing Bees and Lint Picks for
" our boys " kept us busy, and the prospect of the first
grandchild rejoiced the hearts of the family.
Wrote much ; for brain was lively, and work paid for
readily. Rewrote the last story, and sent it to L., who
wants more than I can send him. So, between blue
flannel jackets for " our boys " and dainty slips for Louisa
Caroline or John B., Jr., as the case may be, I reel off
132 Louisa May Alcott.
my " thrilling" tales, and mess up my work in a queer
but interesting way.
War news bad. Anxious faces, beating hearts, and
busy minds.
I like the stir in the air, and long for battle like a war-
horse when he smells powder. The blood of the Mays
is up !
After Anna's Marriage.
SUNDAY MORN, 1860.
MRS. PRATT:
MY DEAR MADAM, — The news of the town is as
follows, and I present it in the usual journalesque
style of correspondence. After the bridal train had
departed, the mourners withdrew to their respective
homes ; and the bereaved family solaced their woe by
washing dishes for two hours and bolting the remains of
the funeral baked meats. At four, having got settled
down, we were all routed up by the appearance of a long
procession of children filing down our lane, headed by
the Misses H. and R. Father rushed into the cellar, and
appeared with a large basket of apples, which went the
rounds with much effect. The light infantry formed in a
semi-circle, and was watered by the matron and maids.
It was really a pretty sight, these seventy children loaded
with wreaths and flowers, standing under the elm in the
sunshine, singing in full chorus the song I wrote for them.
It was a neat little compliment to the superintendent and
his daughter, who was glad to find that her " pome " was
a favorite among the " lads and lasses " who sang it
" with cheery voices, like robins on the tree."
Father put the finishing stroke to the spectacle by
going off at full speed, hoppity-skip, and all the babes
followed in a whirl of rapture at the idea. He led them
up and down and round and round till they were tired ;
The Year of Good Luck. 133
then they fell into order, and with a farewell song marched
away, seventy of the happiest little ones I ever wish to
see. We subsided, and fell into our beds with the new
thought " Annie is married and gone " for a lullaby, which
was not very effective in its results with all parties.
Thursday we set our house in order, and at two the
rush began. It had gone abroad that Mr. M. and Mrs.
Captain Brown were to adorn the scene, so many people
coolly came who were not invited, and who had no busi
ness here. People sewed and jabbered till Mrs. Brown,
with Watson Brown's widow and baby came ; then a
levee took place. The two pale women sat silent and
serene through the clatter ; and the bright-eyed, handsome
baby received the homage of the multitude like a little
king, bearing the kisses and praises with the utmost dig
nity. He is named Frederick Watson Brown, after his
murdered uncle and father, and is a fair, heroic-looking
baby, with a fine head, and serious eyes that look about
him as if saying, "I am a Brown ! Are these friends or
enemies? " I wanted to cry once at the little scene the
unconscious baby made. Some one caught and kissed
him rudely ; he did n't cry, but looked troubled, and
rolled his great eyes anxiously about for some familiar
face to reassure him with its smile. His mother was not
there ; but though many hands were stretched to him, he
turned to Grandma Bridge, and putting out his little arms
to her as if she was a refuge, laughed and crowed as
he had not done before when she danced him on her
knee. The old lady looked delighted ; and Freddy pat
ted the kind face, and cooed like a lawful descendant of
that pair of ancient turtle doves.
When he was safe back in the study, playing alone at
his mother's feet, C. and I went and worshipped in our
own way at the shrine of John Brown's grandson, kissing
134 Louisa May Alcott.
him as if he were a little saint, and feeling highly hon
ored when he sacked our fingers, or walked on us with
his honest little red shoes, much the worse for wear.
Well, the baby fascinated me so that I forgot a raging
headache and forty gabbling women all in full clack. Mrs.
Brown, Sen., is a tall, stout woman, plain, but with a
strong, good face, and a natural dignity that showed she
was something better than a " lady," though she did
drink out of her saucer and used the plainest speech.
The younger woman had such a patient, heart- broken
face, it was a whole Harper's Ferry tragedy in a look.
When we got your letter, Mother and I ran into the study
to read it. Mother read aloud ; for there were only C., A.,
I, and Mrs. Brown, Jr., in the room. As she read the
words that were a poem in their simplicity and happiness,
the poor young widow sat with tears rolling down her
face ; for I suppose it brought back her own wedding-
day, not two years ago, and all the while she cried the
baby laughed and crowed at her feet as if there was no
trouble in the world.
The preparations had been made for twenty at the ut
most ; so when forty souls with the usual complement of
bodies appeared, we grew desperate, and our neat little
supper turned out a regular " tea fight." A., C., B., and
I rushed like comets to and fro trying to fill the multi
tude that would eat fast and drink like sponges. I filled
a big plate with all I could lay hands on, and with two
cups of tea, strong enough for a dozen, charged upon Mr.
E. and Uncle S., telling them to eat, drink, and be merry,
for a famine was at hand. They cuddled into a corner ;
and then, feeling that my mission was accomplished, I let
the hungry wait and the thirsty moan for tea, while I
picked out and helped the regular Antislavery set.
We got through it; but it was an awful hour; and
The Year of Good Luck. 135
Mother wandered in her mind, utterly lost in a grove of
teapots ; while B. pervaded the neighborhood demanding
hot water, and we girls sowed cake broadcast through the
land.
When the plates were empty and the teapots dry, peo
ple wiped their mouths and confessed at last that they
had done. A conversation followed, in which Grandpa B.
and E. P. P. held forth, and Uncle and Father mildly
upset the world, and made a new one in which every one
desired to take a place. Dr. B., Mr. B., T., etc., ap
peared, and the rattle continued till nine, when some
Solomon suggested that the Alcotts must be tired, and
every one departed but C. and S. We had a polka by
Mother and Uncle, the lancers by C. and B., and an
etude by S., after which scrabblings of feast appeared,
and we " drained the dregs of every cup," all cakes and
pies we gobbled up, etc. ; then peace fell upon us, and
our remains were interred decently.
CHAPTER VII.
HOSPITAL SKETCHES.
THOREAU'S FLUTE.
WE sighing said, " Our Pan is dead ;
His pipe hangs mute beside the river
Around it wistful sunbeams quiver,
But Music's airy voice is fled.
Spring mourns as for untimely frost;
The bluebird chants a requiem;
The willow-blossom waits for him ; —
The Genius of the wood is lost."
Then from the flute, untouched by hands,
There came a low, harmonious breath :
" For such as he there is no death ; —
His life the eternal life commands ;
Above man's aims his nature rose.
The wisdom of a just content"
Made one small spot a continent,
And tuned to poetry life's prose.
* Haunting the hills, the stream, the wild,
Swallow and aster, lake and pine,
To him grew human or divine, —
Fit mates for this large-hearted child.
Such homage Nature ne'er forgets,
And yearly on the coverlid
'Neath which her darling lieth hid
Will write his name in violets.
;< To him no vain regrets belong
Whose soul, that finer instrument,
Gave to the world no poor lament,
But wood-notes ever sweet and strong.
O lonely friend ! he still will be
A potent presence, though unseen, —
Steadfast, sagacious, and serene ;
Seek not for him — he is with thce."
Hospital Sketches. 137
MISS ALCOTT could not help feeling deeply
the excitement of the hour when the war
broke out. Her father had been one of the earliest
Abolitionists, having joined the Antislavery Soci
ety with Garrison, and she well remembered the
fugitive slave whom her mother had hidden in the
oven. Now this feeling could be united with her
patriotic zeal and her strong love of active life, and
it was inevitable that she should long to share per
sonally in the dangers and excitement of the war.
Louisa had always been the nurse in the family,
and had by nature the magnetic power which
encourages and helps the feeble and suffering;
therefore, since no other way of serving the cause
opened to her, it was most like her to take her
own life in her hands and join the corps of devoted
nurses. She was accepted, and went to Washing
ton. Her journal gives an account of her situa
tion in the Union Hospital at Georgetown. It was
a small hospital, much inferior in its appointments
to those which were afterward arranged. Al
though Louisa had never been very ill up to that
time, and thought herself exceptionally strong, yet
she had not the rugged constitution fit to bear the
labors and exposures of such a position ; and the
healthful habits of outdoor life and simple food to
which she had always been accustomed made the
conditions of the crowded, ill-ventilated hospital
peculiarly perilous to her. She says, " I was never
ill before this time, and never well afterward."
But with all its hardships, Miss Alcott found in
the hospital the varied and intense human life she
had longed to know. Her great heart went out to
138 . Louisa May Alcott.
all the men, black or white, the Virginia blacksmith
and the rough Michigander. She even tried to
befriend the one solitary rebel who had got left
behind, and who was taken into the hospital to the
disgust of some of the men ; but he was imper
vious to all kindness, and she could find nothing
in him for sympathy or romance to fasten upon.
Miss Alcott remained in the hospital only about
six weeks. Yet this short period had a very strong
influence, both for good and evil, on her future
life. The severe attack of fever which drove her
from her post left her with shattered nerves and
weakened constitution, and she never again knew
the fulness of life and health which she had be
fore. The chamber in her quiet home at Concord
was evermore haunted by the fearful visions of de
lirium, and she could not regain there the peace
she needed for work. But the experience of life,
the observation of men under the excitement of
war, the way in which they met the great con
queror Death, the revelations of heroism and love,
and sometimes of bitterness and hate, brought
her a deeper insight into human life than she
ever had before, and gave to her writings greater
reality.
Louisa constantly wrote to the family of her
experiences, and these letters were so interesting
that she was persuaded to publish them in the
"Commonwealth" newspaper. They attracted
great attention, and first made her widely and
favorably known to a higher public than that
which had read her stories.
These letters were published by James Redpath
Hospital Sketches. 139
in book form, and Miss Alcott received $200 for
the book, — a welcome sum to her at that time.
The sketches are almost a literal reproduction of
her letters to her family; but as they have been
so extensively read, and are accessible to every
one, I shall give in preference to them extracts
from her journal kept at the hospital. Other
stories growing out of her experience in the hos
pital, or more remotely connected with it, have
been published in the same volume in later edi
tions. " My Contraband " is one of the most dra
matic and powerful stories she ever wrote. She
portrays the intensity of hatred in a noble na
ture, — hatred justified by the provocation, and
yet restrained from fatal execution by the highest
suggestions of religion. This story called forth a
letter of commendation and frank criticism from
Col. T. W. Higginson, which was very encouraging
to the young writer.
The beautiful lines on Thoreau's flute, the most
perfect of her poems, excepting the exquisite trib
ute to her mother, were first composed in the
watches of the night in the hospital, and after
wards recalled during the tedious days of conva
lescence at Concord. This poem was printed in
the "Atlantic," and brought her a welcome ten-
dollar bill.
" Hospital Sketches " were hastily written, and
with little regard to literary execution, but they
are fresh and original, and, still more, they are
true, and they appeared at just the time the public
wanted them. Every heart was longing to hear
'not only from field and camp, but from the hospi-
140 Louisa May Alcott.
tals, where sons and brothers were tenderly cared
for. The generous, hopeful spirit with which Miss
Alcott entered into the work was recognized as
that which animated the brave corps of women
who answered so promptly to their country's call,
and every loyal and loving heart vibrated in unison
with the strings she touched so skilfully.
Journal kept at the Hospital, Georgetown, D. C.,
1862.
November. — Thirty years old. Decided to go to
Washington as nurse if I could find a place. Help
needed, and I love nursing, and must let out my pent-up
energy in some new way. Winter is always a hard and a
dull time, and if I am away there is one less to feed and
warm and worry over.
.1 want new experiences, and am sure to get 'em if I
go. So I Ve sent in my name, and bide my time writing
tales, to leave all snug behind me, and mending up my
old clothes, — for nurses don't need nice things, thank
Heaven !
December. — On the 1 1 th I received a note from Miss
H. M. Stevenson telling me to start for Georgetown next
day to fill a place in the Union Hotel Hospital. Mrs.
Ropes of Boston was matron, and Miss Kendall of Ply
mouth was a nurse there, and though a hard place, help
was needed. I was ready, and when my commander
said " March ! " I marched. Packed my trunk, and
reported in B. that same evening.
We had all been full of courage till the last moment
came ; then we all broke down. I realized that I had
taken my life in my hand, and might never see them all
again. I said, " Shall I stay, Mother? " as I hugged her
Hospital Sketches. 14*
close. " No, go ! and the Lord be with you ! " answered
the Spartan woman ; and till I turned the corner she
bravely smiled and waved her wet handkerchief on the
door-step. Shall I ever see that dear old face again ?
So I set forth in the December twilight, with May and
Julian Hawthorne as escort, feeling as if I was the son of
the house going to war.
Friday, the i2th, was a very memorable day, spent in
running all over Boston to get my pass, etc., calling for
parcels, getting a tooth filled, and buying a veil, — my
only purchase. A. C. gave me some old clothes ; the
dear Sewalls money for myself and boys, lots of love
and help ; and at 5 P. M., saying " good-by " to a group
of tearful faces at the station, I started on my long jour
ney, full of hope and sorrow, courage and plans.
A most interesting journey into a new world full of
stirring sights and sounds, new adventures, and an ever
growing sense of the great task I had undertaken.
I said my prayers as I went rushing through the coun
try white with tents, all alive with patriotism, and already
red with blood.
A .solemn time, but I 'm glad to live in it ; and am
sure it will do me good whether I come out alive or
dead.
All went well, and I got to Georgetown one evening
very tired. Was kindly welcomed, slept in my narrow
bed with two other room-mates, and on the morrow be
gan my new life by seeing a poor man die at dawn, and
sitting all day between a boy with pneumonia and a man
shot through the lungs. A strange day, but I did my
best ; and when I put mother's little black shawl round
the boy while he sat up panting for breath, he smiled
and said, " You are real motherly, ma'am." I felt as if
I was getting on. The man only lay and stared with hi:
142 Louisa May Alcott.
big black eyes, and made me very nervous. But all were
well behaved ; and I sat looking at the twenty strong
faces as they looked back at me, — the only new thing
they had to amuse them, — hoping that I looked " moth
erly " to them ; for my thirty years made me feel old,
and the suffering round me made me long to comfort
every one.
January, 1863. Union Hotel Hospital, Georgetown,
D. C. — I never began the year in a stranger place
than this : five hundred miles from home, alone, among
strangers, doing painful duties all day long, and leading
a life of constant excitement in this great house, sur
rounded by three or four hundred men in all stages of
suffering, disease, and death. Though often homesick,
heartsick, and worn out, I like it, find real pleasure in
comforting, tending, and cheering these poor souls who
seem to love me, to feel my sympathy though unspoken,
and acknowledge my hearty good-will, in spite of the
ignorance, awkwardness, and bashfulness which I cannot
help showing in so new and trying a situation. The men
are docile, respectful, and affectionate, with but few ex
ceptions ; truly lovable and manly many of them. John
Sulie, a Virginia blacksmith, is the prince of patients ;
and though what we call a common man in education
and condition, to me is all I could expect or ask from
the first gentleman in the land. Under his plain speech
and unpolished manner I seem to see a noble character,
a heart as warm and tender as a woman's, a nature fresh
and frank as any child's. He is about thirty, I think,
tall and handsome, mortally wounded, and dying royally
without reproach, repining, or remorse. Mrs. Ropes
and myself love him, and feel indignant that such a man
should be so early lost ; for though he might never dis
tinguish himself before the world, his influence and ex-
Hospital Sketches. 143
ample cannot be without effect, for real goodness is never
wasted.
Monday, ^th. — I shall record the events of a day as
a sample of the days I spend : —
Up at six, dress by gaslight, run through my ward and
throw up the windows, though the men grumble and
shiver ; but the air is bad enough to breed a pestilence ;
and as no notice is taken of our frequent appeals for
better ventilation, I must do what I can. Poke up the
fire, add blankets, joke, coax, and command ; but con
tinue to open doors and windows as if life depended
upon it. Mine does, and doubtless many another, for
a more perfect pestilence-box than this house I never
saw, — cold, damp, dirty, full of vile odors from wounds,
kitchens, wash-rooms, and stables. No competent head,
male or female, to right matters, and a jumble of good,
bad, and indifferent nurses, surgeons, and attendants, to
complicate the chaos still more.
After this unwelcome progress through my stifling
ward, I go to breakfast with what appetite I may ; find
the uninvitable fried beef, salt butter, husky bread, and
washy coffee ; listen to the clack of eight women and a
dozen men, — the first silly, stupid, or possessed of one
idea ; the last absorbed with their breakfast and them
selves to a degree that is both ludicrous and provoking,
for all the dishes are ordered down the table full and
returned empty; the conversation is entirely among
themselves, and each announces his opinion with an air
of importance that frequently causes me to choke in my
cup, or bolt my meals with undignified speed lest a laugh
betray to these famous beings that a " chiel 's amang
them takin' notes."
Till noon I trot, trot, giving out rations, cutting up
food for helpless "boys," washing faces, teaching my
144 Louisa May Alcott.
attendants how beds are made or floors are swept, dress
ing wounds, taking Dr. F. P.'s orders (privately wishing
all the time that he would be more gentle with my big
babies), dusting tables, sewing bandages, keeping my
tray tidy, rushing up and down after pillows, bed-linen,
sponges, books, and directions, till it seems as if I would
joyfully pay down all I possess for fifteen minutes' rest.
At twelve the big bell rings, and up comes dinner for the
boys, who are always ready for it and never entirely satis
fied. Soup, meat, potatoes, and bread is the bill of fare.
Charley Thayer, the attendant, travels up and down the
room serving out the rations, saving little for himself, yet
always thoughtful of his mates, and patient as a woman
with their helplessness. When dinner is over, some sleep,
many read, and others want letters written. This I like
to do, for they put in such odd things, and express their
ideas so comically, I have great fun interiorally, while as
grave as possible exteriorally. A few of the men word
their paragraphs well and make excellent letters. John's
was the best of all I wrote. The answering of letters
from friends after some one had died is the saddest and
hardest duty a nurse has to do.
Supper at five sets every one to running that can run ;
and when that flurry is over, all settle down for the eve
ning amusements, which consist of newspapers, gossip,
the doctor's last round, and, for such as need them, the
final doses for the night. At nine the bell rings, gas is
turned down, and day nurses go to bed. Night nurses
go on duty, and sleep and death have the house to
themselves.
My work is changed to night watching, or half night
and half day, — from twelve to twelve. I like it, as it
leaves me time for a morning run, which is what I need
to keep well ; for bad air, food, and water, work and
Hospital Sketches. 145
watching, are getting to be too much for me. I trot up
and down the streets in all directions, sometimes to the
Heights, then half way to Washington, again to the hill,
over which the long trains of army wagons are constantly
vanishing and ambulances appearing. That way the fight
ing lies, and I long to follow.
Ordered to keep my room, being threatened with
pneumonia. Sharp pain in the side, cough, fever, and
dizziness. A pleasant prospect for a lonely soul five
hundred miles from home ! Sit and sew on the boys'
clothes, write letters, sleep, and read ; try to talk and
keep merry, but fail decidedly, as day after day goes, and
I feel no better. Dream awfully, and wake unrefreshed,
think of home, and wonder if I am to die here, as Mrs.
R., the matron, is likely to do. Feel too miserable to
care much what becomes of me. Dr. S. creaks up twice
a day to feel my pulse, give me doses, and ask if I am
at all consumptive, or some other cheering question.
Dr. O. examines my lungs and looks sober. Dr. J.
haunts the room, coming by day and night with wood,
cologne, books, and messes, like a motherly little man as
he is. Nurses fussy and anxious, matron dying, and
everything very gloomy. They want me to go home,
but I won't yet.
January i6//fc. — Was amazed to see Father enter the
room that morning, having been telegraphed to by order
of Mrs. R. without asking leave. I was very angry at
first, though glad to see him, because I knew I should
have to go. Mrs. D. and Miss Dix came, and pretty
Miss W., to take me to Willard's to be cared for by them.
I would n't go, preferring to keep still, being pretty ill by
that time.
On the 2ist I suddenly decided to go home, feeling
very strangely, and dreading to be worse. Mrs. R. died,
146 Louisa May Alcott.
and that frightened the doctors about me ; for my trouble
was the same, — typhoid pneumonia. Father, Miss K.,
and Lizzie T. went with me. Miss Dix brought a basket
full of bottles of wine, tea, medicine, and cologne, besides
a little blanket and pillow, a fan, and a testament. She
is a kind old soul, but very queer and arbitrary.
Was very sorry to go, and "my boys" seemed sorry
to have me. Quite a flock came to see me off; but
I was too sick to have but a dim idea of what was
going on.
Had a strange, excited journey of a day and night, —
half asleep, half wandering, just conscious that I was
going home ; and, when I got to Boston, of being taken
out of the car, with people looking on as if I was a sight.
I daresay I was all blowzed, crazy, and weak. Was too
sick to reach Concord that night, though we tried to do
so. Spent it at Mr. SewalFs ; had a sort of fit ; they
sent for Dr. H., and I had a dreadful time of it.
Next morning felt better, and at four went home.
Just remember seeing May's shocked face at the depot,
Mother's bewildered one at home, and getting to bed in
the firm belief that the house was roofless, and no one
wanted to see me.
As I never shall forget the strange fancies that haunted
me, I shall amuse myself with recording some of them.
The most vivid and enduring was the conviction that I
had married a stout, handsome Spaniard, dressed in black
velvet, with very soft hands, and a voice that was con
tinually saying, " Lie still, my dear ! " This was Mother,
I suspect ; but with all the comfort I often found in her
presence, there was blended an awful fear of the Spanish
spouse who was always coming after me, appearing out
of closets, in at windows, or threatening me dreadfully
all night long. I appealed to the Pope, and really got
Hospital Sketches. 147
lip and made a touching plea in something meant for
Latin, they tell me. Once I went to heaven, and found
it a twilight place, with people darting through the air in
a queer way, — all very busy, and dismal, and ordinary.
Miss Dix, W. H. Channing, and other people were there ;
but I thought it dark and "slow," and wished I hadn't
come.
A mob at Baltimore breaking down the door to get
me, being hung for a witch, burned, stoned, and other
wise maltreated, were some of my fancies. Also being
tempted to join Dr. W. and two of the nurses in wor
shipping the Devil. Also tending millions of rich men
who never died or got well.
February. — Recovered my senses after three weeks
of delirium, and was told I had had a very bad typhoid
fever, had nearly died, and was still very sick. All of
which seemed rather curious, for I remembered nothing
of it. Found a queer, thin, big- eyed face when I looked
in the glass ; did n't know myself at all ; and when I
tried to walk discovered that I could n't, and cried be
cause my legs wouldn't go.
Never having been sick before, it was all new and very
interesting when I got quiet enough to understand mat
ters. Such long, long nights ; such feeble, idle days ;
dozing, fretting about nothing; longing to eat, and no
mouth to do it with, — mine being so sore, and full of all
manner of queer sensations, it was nothing but a plague.
The old fancies still lingered, seeming so real I believed
in them, and deluded Mother and May with the most
absurd stories, so soberly told that they thought them
true.
Dr. B. came every day, and was very kind. Father
and Mother were with me night and day, and May sang
" Birks of Aberfeldie," or read to me, to wile away the
148 Louisa May Alcott.
tiresome hours. People sent letters, money, kind in
quiries, and goodies for the old " Nuss." I tried to sew,
read, and write, and found I had to begin all over again.
Received $10 for my labors in Washington. Had all my
hair, a yard and a half long, cut off, and went into caps
like a grandma. Felt badly about losing my one beauty.
Never mind, it might have been my head, and a wig
outside is better than a loss of wits inside.
March. — Began to get about a little, sitting up nearly
all day, eating more regularly, and falling back into my
old ways. My first job was characteristic : I cleared
out my piece-bags and dusted my books, feeling as tired
as if I had cleaned the whole house. Sat up till nine
one night, and took no lunch at three A. M., — two facts
which I find carefully recorded in my pocket diary in my
own shaky handwriting.
Father had two courses of conversations : one at Mr.
Quincy's, very select and fine ; the other at a hall not so
good. He was tired out with taking care of me, poor
old gentleman ; and typhus was not inspiring.
Read a great deal, being too feeble to do much else.
No end of rubbish, with a few good things as ballast.
"Titan" was the one I enjoyed the most, though it tired
my weak wits to read much at a time. Recalled, and
wrote some lines on "Thoreau's Flute," which I com
posed one night on my watch by little Shaw at the
hospital.
On the 28th Father came home from Boston, bringing
word that Nan had a fine boy. We all screamed out
when he burst in, snowy and beaming ; then Mother
began to cry, May to laugh, and I to say, like B. Trot-
wood, " There, I knew it would n't be a girl ! " We were
all so glad it was safely over, and a jolly little lad was
added to the feminine family.
Hospital Sketches. 149
Mother went straight down to be sure that "mother
and child were doing well," and I fell to cleaning house,
as good work for an invalid and a vent for a happy
aunt.
First Birth in the Alcott and Pratt Branch, 1863.
MONDAY EVE.
J)EAREST LITTLE MOTHER, — Allow me to ask who
was a true prophet.
Also to demand, "Where is my niece, Louisa Caro
line?"
No matter, I will forgive you, and propose three cheers
for my nephew. Hurrah ! hurrah ! Hurray !
I wish you could have seen the performance on Satur
day evening.
We were all sitting deep in a novel, not expecting
Father home owing to the snowstorm, when the door
burst open, and in he came, all wet and white, waving
his bag, and calling out, " Good news ! good news !
Anna has a fine boy ! "
With one accord we opened our mouths and screamed
for about two minutes. Then Mother began to cry ; I
began to laugh ; and May to pour out questions ; while
Papa beamed upon us all, — red, damp, and shiny, the
picture of a proud old Grandpa. Such a funny evening
as we had ! Mother kept breaking down, and each time
emerged from her handkerchief saying solemnly, " I must
go right down and see that baby ! " Father had told
every one he met, from Mr. Emerson to the coach driver,
and went about the house saying, " Anna's boy ! yes,
yes, Anna's boy ! " in a mild state of satisfaction.
May and I at once taxed our brains for a name, and
decided upon " Amos Minot Bridge Bronson May Sewall
Alcott Pratt," so that all the families would be suited.
150 Louisa May Alcott.
I was so anxious to hear more that I went up to town
this A. M. and found John's note.
Grandma and Grandpa Pratt came to hear the great
news ; but we could only inform them of the one tre
mendous fact, that Pratt, Jr., had condescended to arrive.
Now tell us his weight, inches, color, etc.
I know I shall fall down and adore when I see that
mite ; yet my soul is rent when I think of the L. C. on
the pincushion, and all the plans I had made for " my
niece."
Now get up quickly, and be a happy mamma. Of
course John does not consider his son as the most amaz
ing product of the nineteenth century.
Bless the baby !
Ever your admiring Lu.
April. — Had some pleasant walks and drives, and felt
as if born again, everything seemed so beautiful and new.
I hope I was, and that the Washington experience may
do me lasting good. To go very near to death teaches
one to value life, and this winter will always be a very
memorable one to me.
Sewed on little shirts and gowns for my blessed
nephew, who increased rapidly in stature and godliness.
Sanborn asked me to do what Conway suggested before
he left for Europe ; viz., to arrange my letters in a print
able shape, and put them in the "Commonwealth."
They thought them witty and pathetic. I did n't ; but I
wanted money ; so I made three hospital sketches. Much
to my surprise, they made a great hit ; and people bought
the papers faster than they could be supplied. The sec
ond, "A Night" was much liked, and I was glad; for
my beautiful "John Sulie " was the hero, and the praise
belonged to him. More were wanted ; and I added a
Hospital Sketches. 151
postscript in the form of a letter, which finished it up, as
I then thought.
Received $100 from F. L. for a tale which won the
prize last January; paid debts, and was glad that my
winter bore visible fruit. Sent L. another tale. Went to
Boston, and saw "our baby;" thought him ugly, but
promising. Got a set of furniture for my room, — a long-
talked-of dream of ours.
May. — Spent the first week or two in putting the
house in order. May painted and papered the parlors.
I got a new carpet and rug besides the paper, and put
things to rights in a thorough manner. Mother was away
with Nan, so we had full sweep ; and she came home to
a clean, fresh house.
Nan and the Royal Infanta came as bright as a whole
gross of buttons, and as good as a hairless brown angel.
Went to Readville, and saw the 54th Colored Regi
ment, both there and next day in town as they left for
the South. Enjoyed it very much ; also the Antislavery
meetings.
Had a fresh feather in my cap ; for Mrs. Hawthorne
showed Fields "Thoreau's Flute," and he desired it for
the "Atlantic." Of course I didn't say no. It was
printed, copied, praised, and glorified ; also paid for, and
being a mercenary creature, I liked the $10 nearly as
well as the honor of being " a new star " and " a literary
celebrity."
June. — Began to write again on "Moods," feeling en
couraged by the commendation bestowed on " Hospital
Sketches," which were noticed, talked of, and inquired
about, much to my surprise and delight. Had a fine
letter from Henry James, also one from Wasson, and a
request from Redpath to be allowed to print the sketches
in 4 book. Roberts Bros, also asked, but I preferred the
152 Louisa May Alcott.
Redpath, and said yes ; so he fell to work with all his
might.
Went to Class Day for the first time; had a pleasant
day seeing new sights and old friends.
G. H. came to the H.'s. Did n't like her as well as
Miss H. ; too sharp and full of herself; insisted on talk
ing about religion with Emerson, who glided away from
the subject so sweetly, yet resolutely, that the energetic
lady gave it up at last.
[1877. — Short-sighted Louisa ! Little did you dream that
this same Roberts Bros, were to help you to make your fortune
a few years later. The " Sketches ' ' never made much money,
but showed me " my style," and taking the hint, I went where
glory waited me. — L. M. A.]
July. — Sanborn asked for more contributions, and I
gave him some of my old Mountain Letters vamped up.
They were not good, and though they sold the paper, I
was heartily ashamed of them, and stopped in the middle,
resolving never again to try to be funny, lest I should be
rowdy and nothing more. I 'm glad of the lesson, and
hope it will do me good.
Had some pleasant letters from Sergeant Bain, — one
of my boys who has not forgotten me, though safely at
home far away in Michigan. It gratified me very much,
and brought back the hospital days again. He was a
merry, brave little fellow, and I liked him very much.
His right arm was amputated after Fredericksburg, and
he took it very cheerfully, trying at once to train his left
hand to do duty for both, and never complained of his
loss. " Baby B."
August. — Redpath carried on the publishing of the
" Sketches " vigorously, sending letters, proof, and notices
daily, and making all manner of offers, suggestions, and
Hospital Sketches. 153
prophecies concerning the success of the book and its
author.
Wrote a story, " My Contraband," and sent it to Fields,
who accepted and paid $50 for it, with much approbation
for it and the " Sketches." L. sent $40 for a story, and
wanted another.
Major M. invited me to Gloucester; but I refused, be
ing too busy and too bashful to be made a lion of, even
in a very small way. Letters from Dr. Hyde, Wilkie
(home with a wound from Wagner), Charles Sumner,
Mr. Hale, and others, — all about the little "Sketches,"
which keep on making friends for me, though I don't
get used to the thing at all, and think it must be all
a mistake.
On the 25th my first morning-glory bloomed in my
room, — a hopeful blue, — and at night up came my
book in its new dress. I had added several chapters to
it, and it was quite a neat little affair. An edition oi
one thousand, and I to have five cents on each copy.
September. — Redpath anxious for another book. Send
him a volume of stories and part of a book to look at.
He likes both ; but I decide on waiting a little, as I 'm
not satisfied with the stories, and the novel needs time.
" Sketches " sell well, and a new edition is called for.
Dear old Grandma died at Aunt Betsey's in her eighty-
ninth year, — a good woman, and much beloved by her
children. I sent money to help lay her away ; for Aunt
B. is poor, and it was all I could do for the kind little old
lady.
Nan and Freddy made us a visit, and we decided that
of all splendid babies he was the king. Such a hearty,
happy, funny boy, I could only play with and adore him
all the while he stayed, and long for him when he went.
Nan and John are very fond of " our son," and well they
154 Lottisa May Alcott.
may be. Grandma and Grandpa think him perfect, and
even artistic Aunty May condescends to say he is " a
very nice thing."
" My Contraband ; or, The Brothers," my story in the
" Atlantic," came out, and was liked. Received $40
from Redpath for "Sketches," — first edition; wanted
me to be editor of a paper ; was afraid to try, and let
it go.
Poor old " Moods " came out for another touching
up.
October. — Thought much about going to Port Royal
to teach contrabands. Fields wanted the letters I should
write, and asked if I had no book. Father spoke of
" Moods," and he desired to see it. So I fell to work,
and finished it off, thinking the world must be coming
to an end, and all my dreams getting fulfilled in a most
amazing way. If there was ever an astonished young
woman, it is myself; for things have gone on so swim
mingly of late I don't know who I am. A year ago I
had no publisher, and went begging with my wares ; now
three have asked me for something, several papers are
ready to print my contributions, and F. B. S. says " any
publisher this side of Baltimore would be glad to get a
book." There is a sudden hoist for a meek and lowly
scribbler, who was told to " stick to her teaching," and
never had a literary friend to lend a helping hand ! Fif
teen years of hard grubbing may be coming to something
after all ; and I may yet " pay all the debts, fix the
house, send May to Italy, and keep the old folks cosey,"
as I Ve said I would so long, yet so hopelessly.
May began to take anatomical drawing lessons of Rim-
mer. I was very glad to be able to pay her expenses up
and down and clothe her neatly. Twenty dollars more
from Redpath on account.
Hospital Sketches. 155
December. — Earnings 1863, $380.
The principal event of this otherwise quiet month was
the Sanitary Fair in Boston, and our part in it. At G. G.
B.'s request, I dramatized six scenes from Dickens, and
went to town on the i4th to play. Things did not go
well for want of a good manager and more time. Our
night was not at all satisfactory to us, owing to the falling
through of several scenes for want of actors. People
seemed to like what there was of it, and after a weari
some week I very gladly came home again. Our six
entertainments made twenty-five hundred dollars for
the Fair.
Rewrote the fairy tales, one of which was published ;
but owing to delays it was late for the holidays, and badly
bound in the hurry; so the poor "Rose Family" fared
badly.
Had a letter from the publisher of a new magazine,
called the "Civil Service Magazine," asking for a long
tale. Had no time to write one ; but will by and by, if
the thing is good.
While in town received $10 of F. B. S. and $20 of
Redpath, with which I bought May hat, boots, gloves,
ribbons, and other little matters, besides furnishing money
for her fares up and down to Rimmer.
January, 1864. — New Year's Day was a very quiet
one. Nan and Freddy were here, and in the evening we
went to a dance at the hall. A merry time ; for all the
town was there, as it was for the Soldiers' Aid Society,
and every one wanted to help. Nan and I sat in the
gallery, and watched the young people dance the old
year out, the new year in as the clock struck twelve.
On looking over my accounts, I find I have earned by
my writing alone nearly six hundred dollars since last
January, and spent less than a hundred for myself, which
156 Louisa May Alcott.
I am glad to know. May has had $70 for herself, and
the rest has paid debts or bought necessary things for
the family.
Received from the "Commonwealth" $18 for "A
Hospital Christmas." Wrote a fairy tale, " Fairy Pina
fores." " Picket Duty " and other tales came out, — first
of Redpath's series of books for the " Camp Fires."
Richardson sent again for a long story for the "Civil
Service Magazine." Tried a war story, but could n't
make it go.
February. — Nan quite sick again. Mother passed
most of the month with her ; so I had to be housekeeper,
and let my writing go, — as well perhaps, as my wits are
tired, and the " divine afflatus" don't descend as readily
as it used to do. Must wait and fill up my idea- box be
fore I begin again. There is nothing like work to set
fancy a-going.
Redpath came flying up on the 4th to get " Moods,"
promising to have it out by May. Gave it to him with
many fears, and he departed content. The next day re
ceived a telegram to come down at once and see the
printers. Went, and was told the story was too long for
a single volume, and a two-volume novel was bad to be
gin with. Would I cut the book down about half ? No,
I would n't, having already shortened it all it would bear.
So I took my " opus " and posted home again, promising
to try and finish my shorter book in a month.
A dull, heavy month, grubbing in the kitchen, sewing,
cleaning house, and trying to like my duty.
Mrs. S. takes a great fancy to May ; sends her flowers,
offers to pay for her to go to the new Art School, and ar
ranges everything delightfully for her. She is a fortunate
girl, and always finds some one to help her as she wants
to be helped. Wish I could do the same, but suppose as
Hospital Sketches. 157
I never do that it is best for me to work and wait and do
all for myself.
Mr. Storrs, D.D., wrote for a sketch for his little paper,
" The Drum Beat," to be printed during the Brooklyn
Sanitary Fair. A very cordial, pleasant letter, which I
answered by a little sketch called " A Hospital Lamp."
He sent me another friendly letter, and all the daily
papers as they came out. A very gentlemanly D.D. is
Dr. Storrs.
The " Hospital Sketches " were fully entitled to
their wide and rapid popularity; and for the first
time perhaps Miss Alcott felt sure of her vocation,
and knew that it would bring at last the success
which would enable her to carry out her plans for
the family. And yet the battle was not over.
She gained in reputation, was received with great
attention in society, and lionized more than she
cared for. But she still continued writing stories
for the various papers at very low prices. Some
of them were refused by the publishers, as she
thinks, on account of the Antislavery sentiments
expressed in them. Her " blood and thunder "
stones continued in demand, and she wrote them
rapidly, and was glad of the money they brought.
But she had not yet found her true path, and
she suffered at times from keen depression of
spirits ; for the way seemed long and dark, and
she did not see the end. In more than one
sense she struggled with Moods ; for that un
happy book was still tossed from publisher to
publisher, who gave her much praise, but no
satisfaction.
158 Louisa May Alcott.
Journal.
A busy month getting settled. Freddy's birthday on
the 28th, one year old. He had a dozen nice little pres
ents laid out in a row when he came down to breakfast,
and seemed quite overpowered with his riches. On being
told to take what he liked best, he chose the picture of
little Samuel whicji Father gave him, and the good pope
was much delighted at that.
Was asked for a poem for the great album at the St
Louis Fair, and sent " Thoreau's Flute" as my best.
Also received a letter from the Philadelphia managers
asking contributions for the paper to be printed at their
Fair.
Wrote nothing this month.
April. — At Father's request I sent "Moods" to T.,
and got a very friendly note from him, saying they had
so many books on hand that they could do nothing about
it now. So I put it back on the shelf, and set about my
other work. Don't despair, " Moods," we '11 try again
by and by !
[Alas ! we did try again. — L. M. A.]
Wrote the first part of a story for Professor C. called
"Love and Loyalty," — flat, patriotic, and done to order.
Wrote a new fairy tale, " Nelly's Hospital."
May. — Had a letter from Mrs. Gildersleeve, asking
for my photograph and a sketch of my life, for a book
called "Heroic Women" which she was getting up.
Respectfully refused. Also a letter and flattering notice
from " Ruth Hall," and a notice from a Chicago critic
with a long extract from " Rose Family." My tale
"Enigmas" came out, and was much liked by readers
of sensation rubbish. Having got my $50, I was
resigned.
Hospital Sketches. 159
June. — To town with Father on the 3d to a Fra
ternity Festival to which we were invited. Had a fine
time, and was amazed to find my " 'umble " self made a
lion of, set up among the great ones, stared at, waited
upon, complimented, and made to hold a " layvee "
whether I would or no ; for Mr. S. kept bringing up
people to be introduced till I was tired of shaking hands
and hearing the words " Hospital Sketches " uttered in
every tone of interest, admiration, and respect. Mr.
Wasson, Whipple, Alger, Clarke, Calthrop, and Chad-
wick came to speak to me, and many more whose names
I forget. It was a very pleasant surprise and a new ex
perience. I liked it, but think a small dose quite as
much as is good for me ; for after sitting in a corner
and grubbing a la Cinderella, it rather turns one's head
to be taken out and be treated like a princess all of
a sudden.
Augitst. — Went to Gloucester for a fortnight with May
at the M.'s. Found a family of six pretty daughters, a
pleasant mother, and a father who was an image of one
of the Cheeryble brothers. Had a jolly time boating,
driving, charading, dancing, and picnicking. One mild
moonlight night a party of us camped out on Norman's
Woe, and had a splendid time, lying on the rocks sing
ing, talking, sleeping, and rioting up and down. Had a
fine time, and took coffee at all hours. The moon rose
and set beautifully, and the sunrise was a picture I never
shall forget.
Wrote another fairy tale, "Jamie's Wonder Book,"
and sent the " Christmas Stories" to W. & W., with
some lovely illustrations by Miss Greene. They liked
the book very much, and said they would consult about
publishing it, though their hands were full.
September. — Mrs. D. made a visit, and getting hold
160 Louisa May Alcott.
of my old book of stories liked them, and insisted on
taking " Moods " home to read. As she had had expe
rience with publishers, was a good business woman, and
an excellent critic, I let her have it, hoping she might
be able to give the poor old book the lift it has been
waiting for all these years. She took it, read it, and
admired it heartily, saying that "no American author
had showed so much promise ; that the plan was admi
rable ; the execution unequal, but often magnificent ;
that I had a great field before me, and my book must be
got out."
Mrs. D. sent it to L., who liked it exceedingly, and
asked me to shorten it if I could, else it would be too
large to sell well. Was much disappointed, said I 'd
never touch it again, and tossed it into the spidery little
cupboard where it had so often returned after fruitless
trips.
At last, in the excited hours of a wakeful night,
Miss Alcott thought of a way to curtail the objec
tionable length of the book, and she spent a fortnight
in remodelling it, — as she then thought improving
it greatly, — although she afterwards returned to
her original version as decidedly the best. The
book was brought out, and she had the pleasure
of presenting the first copy to her mother on her
sixty fourth birthday. She had various projects in
her mind, one of which was a novel, with two char
acters in it like Jean Paul Richter and Goethe. It
is needless to say this was never carried out. Miss
Alcott had great powers of observation, and a keen
insight into character as it fell within her own
range of life, but she had not the creative imagi-
Hospital Sketches. 161
nation which could paint to the life the subtlest
workings of thought and feeling in natures foreign
to her own experience. She could not have por
trayed such men: but who could?
Journal.
October. — Wrote several chapters of "Work," and
was getting on finely, when, as I lay awake one night,
a way to shorten and arrange " Moods " came into my
head. The whole plan laid itself smoothly out before
me, and I slept no more that night, but worked on it as
busily as if mind and body had nothing to do with
one another. Up early, and began to write it all over
again. The fit was on strong, and for a fortnight I hardly
ate, slept, or stirred, but wrote, wrote, like a thinking
machine in full operation. When it was all rewritten
without copying, I found it much improved, though I 'd
taken out ten chapters, and sacrificed many of my favo
rite thinj.3 ; but being resolved to make it simple, strong,
and short, I let everything else go, and hoped the book
would be better for it.
[It was n't. 1867.]
Sent it to L. ; and a week after, as I sat hammering
away at the parlor carpet, — dusty, dismal, and tired, —
a letter came from L. praising the story more enthusias
tically than ever, thanking me for the improvements, and
proposing to bring out the book at once. Of course
we all had a rapture, and I finished my work "double
quick," regardless of weariness, toothache, or blue
devils.
Next day I went to Boston and saw L. A brisk, busi
ness-like man who seemed in earnest and said many
ii
1 62 Louisa May Alcott.
complimentary things about " Hospital Sketches " and
its author. It was agreed to bring out the book immedi
ately, and Mrs. D. offered to read the proof with me.
Was glad to have the old thing under way again, but
did n't quite believe it would ever come out after so
many delays and disappointments.
Sewed for Nan and Mary, heard Anna Dickinson and
liked her. Read " Emily Chester " and thought it an
unnatural story, yet just enough like " Moods " in a few
things to make me sorry that it came out now.
On Mother's sixty- fourth birthday I gave her " Moods "
with this inscription, — " To Mother, my earliest patron,
kindest critic, dearest reader, I gratefully and affection
ately inscribe my first romance."
A letter from T. asking me to write for the new maga
zine "Our Young Folks," and saying that "An Hour"
was in the hands of the editors.
November. — Proof began to come, and the chapters
seemed small, stupid, and no more my own in print. I
felt very much afraid that I 'd ventured too much and
should be sorry for it. But Emerson says "that what
is true for your own private heart is true for others." So
I wrote from my own consciousness and observation and
hope it may suit some one and at least do no harm.
I sent " An Hour " to the " Commonwealth " and it
was considered excellent. Also wrote a Christmas Story,
" Mrs. Todger's Teapot." T. asked to see the other fairy
tales and designs and poems, as he liked " Nelly's Hos
pital " so much.
On my thirty-second birthday received Richter's Life
from Nan and enjoyed it so much that I planned a story
of two men something like Jean Paul and Goethe, only
more every-day people. Don't know what will come of
it, but if " Moods " goes well " Success " shall follow.
Hospital Skctclies. 163
Sewed for Wheeler's colored company and sent them
comfort-bags, towels, books, and bed-sacks. Mr. W.
sent me some relics from Point Look Out and a pleasant
letter.
December. — Earnings, 1864, — $476.
On Christmas Eve received ten copies of "Moods"
and a friendly note from L. The book was hastily got
out, but on the whole suited me, and as the inside was
considered good I let the outside go. For a week where-
ever I went I saw, heard, and talked " Moods ; " found
people laughing or crying over it, and was continually
told how well it was going, how much it was liked, how
fine a thing I 'd done. I was glad but not proud, I
think, for it has always seemed as if " Moods " grew in
spite of me, and that I had little to do with it except to
put into words the thoughts that would not let me rest
until I had. Don't know why.
By Saturday the first edition was gone and the second
ready. Several booksellers ordered a second hundred,
the first went so fast, and friends could not get it but had
to wait till more were ready.
Spent a fortnight in town at Mary's, shopping, helping
Nan, and having plays. Heard Emerson once. Gave
C. " Mrs. Todger's Teapot," which was much liked.
Sent L. the rest of his story and got $50. S. paid $35
for "An Hour." R. promised $100 for "Love and
Loyalty," so my year closes with a novel well-launched
and about $300 to pay debts and make the family happy
and comfortable till spring. Thank God for the success
of the old year, the promise of the new !
The sale of " Moods " was at first very rapid ;
for " Hospital Sketches " had created an interest in
the author, and welcome recognition came to her
164 Louisa May Alcott.
from many sources. She received a handsome
sum from the copyright, and " the year closed with
enough to make her feel free of debt and the
family comfortable." She ends the year's journal
triumphantly.
The following year was spent mostly in Boston.
Miss Alcott went into society and enjoyed the
friendly attentions of men and women of ability.
She continued to write stories for money, but now
received fifty, seventy-five, or a hundred dollars for
(them. She frequently took part in theatrical per
formances for charities. She was always brilliant
and successful and enjoyed them with something
of her early zest.
Her long story of" Success," or "Work," as she
afterwards named it, was still in her mind, but she
did not finish it at this time.
Journal.
January, 1865. — The month began with some plays
at the town hall to raise funds for the Lyceum. We did
very well and some Scenes from Dickens were excellent.
Father lectured and preached a good deal, being asked
like a regular minister and paid like one. He enjoyed
it very much and said good things on the new religion
which we ought to and shall have. May had orders
from Canada and England for her pretty pen-and-ink
work and did well in that line.
Notices of "Moods" came from all directions, and
though people did n't understand my ideas owing to my
shortening the book so much, the notices were mostly
favorable and gave quite as much praise as was good for
me. I had letters from Mrs. Parker, Chadwick, Sanborn,
Hospital Sketches. 165
E. B. Greene, the artist, T. W. Higginson and some
others. All friendly and flattering.
Saw more notices of " Moods " and received more
letters, several from strangers and some very funny.
People seemed to think the book finely written, very
promising, wise, and interesting ; but some fear it is n't
moral, because it speaks freely of marriage.
Wrote a little on poor old " Work " but being tired of
novels, I soon dropped it and fell back on rubbishy tales,
for they pay best, and I can't afford to starve on praise,
when sensation stories are written in half the time and
keep the family cosey.
Earned $75 this month.
I went to Boston and heard Father lecture before the
Fraternity. Met Henry James, Sr., there, and he asked me
to come and dine, also called upon me with Mrs. James.
I went, and was treated like the Queen of Sheba. Henry
Jr. wrote a notice of " Moods " for the " North Ameri
can," and was very friendly. Being a literary youth he
give me advice, as if he had been eighty and I a girl.
My curly crop made me look young, though thirty-one.
Acted in some public plays for the N. E. Women's
Hospital and had a pleasant time.
L. asked me to be a regular contributor to his new
paper, and I agreed if he 'd pay beforehand ; he said he
would, and bespoke two tales at once, $50 each, longer
ones as often as I could, and whatever else I liked to
send. So here 's another source of income and Alcott
brains seem in demand, whereat I sing u Hallyluyer "
and fill up my inkstand.
April. — Richmond taken on the 2d. Hurrah ! Went
to Boston and enjoyed the grand jollification. Saw
Booth again in Hamlet and thought him finer than ever.
Had a pleasant walk and talk with Phillips.
1 66 Louisa May Alcott.
On the 1 5th in the midst of the rejoicing came the
sad news of the President's assassination, and the city went
into mourning. I am glad to have seen such a strange
and sudden change in a nation's feelings. Saw the great
procession, and though few colored men were in it, one
was walking arm in arm with a white gentleman, and I
exulted thereat.
Nan went to housekeeping in a pleasant house at
Jamaica Plain, and I went to help her move. -It was
beautiful to see how Freddy enjoyed the freedom, after
being cooped up all winter, and how every morning,
whether it rained or shone, he looked out and said, with
a smile of perfect satisfaction, "Oh, pretty day ! " —for
all days were pretty to him, dear little soul !
Had a fine letter from Conway, and a notice in the
"Reader," — an English paper. He advised sending
copies to several of the best London papers. English
people don't understand "transcendental literature," as
they call " Moods." My next book shall have no ideas
in it, only facts, and the people shall be as ordinary as
possible ; then critics will say it 's all right. I seem to
have been playing with edge tools without knowing it.
The relations between Warwick, Moor, and Sylvia are
pronounced impossible ; yet a case of the sort exists, and
the woman came and asked me how I knew it. I did
not know or guess, but perhaps felt it, without any other
guide, and unconsciously put the thing into my book, for
I changed the ending about that time. It was meant to
show a life affected by moods, not a discussion of mar
riage, which I knew little about, except observing that
very few were happy ones.
Jime. — Busy writing, keeping house, and sewing. Com
pany often ; and strangers begin to come, demanding to
see the authoress, who does not like it, and is porcupiny.
Hospital Sketches. 167
Admire the books, but let the woman alone, if you
please, dear public !
On the 24th Anna's second boy was born, at half-past
three in the morning, — Lizzie's birthday. A fine, stout,
little lad, who took to life kindly, and seemed to find the
world all right. Freddy could not understand it at first,
and told his mother that " the babee " had got his place.
But he soon loved the "tunning sing," and would stand
watching it with a grave face, till some funny little idea
found vent in still funnier words or caresses.
Nan was very happy with her two boys, so was John,
though both had wished for i daughter.
July. — While at Nan's Mrs. B. asked me if I would
go abroad with her sister. I said " yes ; " but as I
spoke neither French nor German, she did n't think I 'd
do. I was sorry; but being used to disappointment,
went to work for Nan, and bided my time, which came
very soon.
To Anna.
[Date uncertain.]
MY LASS, — This must be a frivolous and dressy letter,
because you always want to know about our clothes, and
we have been at it lately. May's bonnet is a sight for
gods and men. Black and white outside, with a great
cockade boiling over the front to meet a red ditto surg
ing from the interior, where a red rainbow darts across
the brow, and a surf of white lace foams up on each side.
I expect to hear that you and John fell flat in the dust
with horror on beholding it.
My bonnet has nearly been the death of me ; for,
thinking some angel might make it possible for me to go
to the mountains, I felt a wish for a tidy hat, after wear
ing an old one till it fell in tatters from my brow. Mrs.
P. promised a bit of gray silk, and I built on that ; but
1 68 Louisa May Alcotf.
when I went for it I found my hat was founded on sand ;
for she let me down with a crash, saying she wanted the
.silk herself, and kindly offering me a flannel petticoat
instead. I was in woe for a spell, having one dollar in
the world, and scorning debt even for that prop of life,
a "bonnet." Then I roused myself, flew to Dodge,
demanded her cheapest bonnet, found one for a dollar,
took it, and went home wondering if the sky would open
and drop me a trimming. I am simple in my tastes, but
a naked straw bonnet is a little too severely chaste even
for me. Sky did not open ; so I went to the " Widow
Cruise's oil bottle" — my ribbon box — which, by the
way, is the eighth wonder of the world, for nothing is
ever put in, yet I always find some old dud when all
other hopes fail. From this salvation bin I extracted the
remains of the old white ribbon (used up, as I thought,
two years ago), and the bits of black lace that have
adorned a long line of departed hats. Of the lace I
made a dish, on which I thriftily served up bows of rib
bon, like meat on toast. Inside put the lace bow, which
adorns my form anywhere when needed. A white flower
A. H. gave me sat airily on the brim, — fearfully unbe
coming, but pretty in itself, and in keeping. Strings are
yet to be evolved from chaos. I feel that they await me
somewhere in the dim future. Green ones//v tcm. hold
this wonder of the age upon my gifted brow, and I survey
my hat with respectful awe. I trust you will also, and
see in it another great example of the power of mind
over matter, and the convenience of a colossal brain in
the primeval wrestle with the unruly atoms which have
harassed the feminine soul ever since Eve clapped on a
modest fig-leaf and did up her hair with a thorn for a
hairpin.
I feel very moral to-day, having done a big wash alone,
Hospital Sketches. 169
baked, swept the house, picked the hop:,, got dinner, and
written a chapter in " Moods." May gets exhausted
with work, though she walks six miles without a murmur.
It is dreadfully dull, and I work so that I may not
" brood." Nothing stirring but the wind ; nothing to see
but dust ; no one comes but rose-bugs ; so I grub and
scold at the " A." because it takes a poor fellow's tales
and keeps 'em years without paying for 'em. If I think
of my woes I fall into a vortex of debts, dishpans, and
despondency awful to see. So I say, " every path has
its puddle," and try to play gayly with the tadpoles in
my puddle, while I wait for the Lord to give me a lift, or
some gallant Raleigh to spread his velvet cloak and fetch
me over dry shod.
L. W. adds to my woe by writing of the splendors of
Gorham, and says, " When tired, run right up here and
find rest among these everlasting hills." All very aggra
vating to a young woman with one dollar, no bonnet,
half a gown, and a discontented mind. It 's a mercy
the mountains are everlasting, for it will be a century
before / get there. Oh. me, such is life !
Now I Ve done my Jeremiad, and I will go on twang
ing my harp in the " willow tree."
You ask what I am writing. Well, two books half
done, nine stories simmering, and stacks of fairy stories
moulding on the shelf. I can 't do much, as I have no
time to get into a real good vortex. It unfits me for
work, worries Ma to see me look pale, eat nothing, and
ply by night. These extinguishers keep genius from
burning as I could wish, and I give up ever hoping to
do anything unless luck turns for your
Lu.
CHAPTER VIII.
EUROPE AND LITTLE WOMEN.
LITTLE WOMEN.
FOUR little chests all in a row,
Dim with dust and worn by time,
All fashioned and filled long ago
By children now in their prime.
Four little keys hung side by side,
With faded ribbons, brave and gay
When fastened there with childish pride
Long ago on a rainy day.
Four little names, one on each lid,
Carved out by a boyish hand ;
And underneath there lieth hid
Histories of the happy band
Once playing here, and pausing oft
To hear the sweet refrain
That came and went on the roof aloft
In the falling summer rain.
Four little chests all in a row,
Dim with dust and worn by time :
Four women, taught by weal and woe
To love and labor in their prime ;
Four sisters parted for an hour, —
None lost, one only gone before,
Made by love's immortal power
Nearest and dearest evermore.
Oh ! when these hidden stores of ours
Lie open to the Father's sight,
May they be rich in golden hours, —
Deeds that show fairer for the light,
Deeds whose brave music long shall ring
Like a spirit-stirring strain,
Souls that shall gladly soar and sing
In the long sunshine, after rain.
Europe, and Little Women. 171
THE years which followed the war and Miss
Alcott's experience as a hospital nurse were
rather sad and anxious from many causes. Louisa
felt deeply the loss of one sister by death and the
separation from another by marriage. The success
of " Hospital Sketches " and a few other stories
published about the same time had given her confi
dence in her powers and hopes of a successful future.
But for nearly five years she accomplished nothing
which met with equal favor. The reception of the
novel " Moods," in which she thought she had ex
pressed her best life, was not cheering to her ; and
she had become wholly dissatisfied with the sensa
tional stories, which formed the most ready resource
for earning money. Her health was seriously in
jured by the fever from which she suffered in the
hospital, and she had no longer the physical energy
to sustain the unceasing activity of her brain.
Under these difficulties she naturally desired a
change of circumstances ; and the old longing for
a journey to Europe — which she had felt strongly
in her youth, and which, like all American of cul
ture, she felt more and more as time passed on
— became her ruling desire. She was very fond
of new scenes and variety of people, and she
often expressed a wish to live many years in
Europe.
The circumstances of the family were not yet
such as to justify Louisa, in her own eyes, in
taking her earnings for the desired trip. But in
1865 an opportunity was offered her to go to
Europe as companion to an invalid lady. From
her experience in nursing — for which she had a
172 Louisa May Alcott.
natural gift — she and her friends thought her
suited to the position, and advised her acceptance
of the offer.
Although devotedly kind, unselfish, and gener
ous, Louisa had not the temperament suited to the
needs of a nervous invalid. She was impetuous
and impatient, and her own life was too strong
within her and too earnest in its cravings, for her
to restrain her moods and actions within the narrow
limits of a companion's service. She found even
what she recognized as fair services wearisome and
distasteful, 'and sometimes chafed severely under
what seemed unnecessary demands on her time,
strength, and patience. Looking back on this ex
perience in later years, she recognized these facts,
and wrote in 1885 : " Now, being a nervous invalid
myself, I understand what seemed whims, selfish
ness, and folly in others."
Louisa finally decided to leave her companions
and go on alone to Paris and England, where she
would find many of her own and her father's friends.
At Vevay she had made the acquaintance of a
young Polish lad, whom she found very interesting,
and who was the original of the charming Laurie in
" Little Women." He met her again in Paris, and
contributed greatly to the pleasure of her stay there.
He afterwards came to America, and visited her;
but finally returned to his own country.
The journal gives a sufficient account of her life
while on this journey. I have no letters written
at this time, as she wished all her family letters
destroyed. Her few weeks in London passed very
happily. Her wide reading in English history
Europe, and Little Women. 173
and in contemporary fiction, especially the works
of Dickens and Thackeray, filled London with in-
, teresting associations, and she enjoyed thoroughly
her free rambles through the old city, as well as
the interesting people, who received her with great
kindness.
That Louisa might have these few weeks of
entire relaxation and enjoyment, her mother had
been obliged to borrow means for the support
of the family; and Louisa was very anxious to
clear off this debt like all others. She was very
exact in pecuniary matters. Money to her was
not an end, but a most necessary means. She
paid every debt that her father had incurred,
even though outlawed by time. It is often asked
whether she ever sold her beautiful hair, as repre
sented in " Little Women." The deed was never
really done ; but she and her sisters always held this
treasure as a possible resource in case of need ; and
Louisa once says in her journal, " I will pay my
debts, if I have to sell my hair to do it." She even
went so far as to inquire of a barber as to its money
value.
Journal.
1865. — Mr. W., hearing that I was something of a
nurse and wanted to travel, proposed my going with his
invalid daughter. I agreed, though I had my doubts.
But every one said " Go ; " so after a week of worry I
did go. On the igth we sailed in the " China." I could
not realize that my long-desired dream was coming true ;
and fears that I might not see all the dear home faces
when I came back made my heart very full as we steamed
down the harbor and Boston vanished.
174 Louisa May Alcott.
Was not very sick, but uncomfortable all the way, and
found the Ladies5 Saloon my only refuge till we were
nearly across ; enjoyed intervals of quiet, and had many
fine glimpses of the sea in its various moods, sunsets and
sunrises, fogs, icebergs, rain-storms, and summer calms.
No very pleasant people on board ; so I read, took notes,
and wiled away the long days as I best could.
We had a very quiet and quick passage of nine days,
and on Saturday, the 29th, steamed up the Mersey at
dawn, and got to Liverpool at nine. I was heartily glad
to set my feet on the solid earth, and thought I 'd never
go to sea again ; rested, and looked about a little.
August. — Went up to London, and there spent four
dull, drizzly days. I amused myself in my usual way,
looking well about me, and writing down all I saw in my
pocket-diary or letters. Went to the parks, Westminster
Abbey, and some of the famous streets. I felt as if I 'd
got into a novel while going about in the places I 'd read
so much of; saw no one I knew, and thought English
weather abominable.
On the 5th to Dover through a lovely green country;
took steamer there to Ostende ; but was ill all the way,
and saw nothing but a basin ; spent two days at a queer
hotel near the fine promenade, which was a very foreign
and brilliant scene. To Brussels on the yth. Here I
enjoyed much, for the quaint old city was full of inter
esting things. The ancient square, where the statues of
Egmont and Horn stand, was my delight ; for the old
Dutch houses were still standing, and everything was so
new and strange I wanted to stay a month.
To Cologne on the 9th, and the country we passed
through was like a big picture-book. The city was very
hot, dirty, and evil-smelling. We saw the Cathedral, got
eau de Cologne, and very gladly left after three days.
Europe, and Little Women. 175
On the 1 2th began a lovely voyage up the Rhine. It
was too beautiful to describe, so I shall not try ; but I feel
richer and better for that memorable day. We reached
Coblenz at sunset, and I was up half the night enjoying
the splendid view of the fortress opposite the town, the
moonlit river with its bridges of boats, and troops cross
ing at midnight.
A second day, still more charming, took us through
the famous parts of the Rhine, and filled my head with
pictures that will last all my life.
Before we reached Bieberich we stopped at a queer
little Dutch town, and had a queer time ; for no one
spoke English, and we only a little bad French. Passed
the night there, and next day reached Schwalbach after
many trials and tribulations.
The place is a narrow valley shut in by high hills, the
town being divided into two parts : the lowest is the
original town — queer ale-houses, churches, and narrow
streets ; the upper part, near the springs, is full of fine
hotels, pleasure-grounds, and bath-houses.
We took lodgings with Madame Genth, wife of the
Forestmeister (forest master), — two rooms, — and be
gan the water under Dr. Genth's care.
We walked a little, talked a little, bathed and rode a
little, worried a good deal, and I grubbed away at French,
with no master and small success.
September. — Still at Schwalbach, A. doing her best to
get well, and I doing mine to help her. Rather dull
days, — bathing, walking, and quiddling about.
A letter from home on the 2Oth. All well and happy,
thank God. It touched and pleased me very much to
see how they missed me, thought of me, and longed to
have me back. Every little thing I ever did for them is
now so tenderly and gratefully remembered ; and my ab-
176 Louisa May Alcott.
sence seems to have left so large a gap that I begin to
realize how much I am to them in spite of all my faults.
The letters made me very happy, and everything bright
ened immensely. A. got stronger, and when G. came on
the 28th was able to start off next day on the way to
Vevay, where we are to pass some weeks before we are
to go to Nice.
Went to Wiesbaden first, a pleasant, gay place, full of
people. Saw the gambling hall and people playing, the
fine grounds and drives, and then went on to Frankfort.
Here I saw and enjoyed a good deal. The statues of
Goethe, Schiller, Faust, Gutenberg, and SchaerTer are in
the squares. Goethe's house is a tall, plain building, with
each story projecting over the lower, and a Dutch roof;
a marble slab over the front door recording the date of
Goethe's birth. I took a look at it and wanted to go in,
as it was empty, but there was no time. Some Americans
said, " Who was Goethe, to fuss about ? "
Frankfort is a pleasant old city on the river, and I 'm
glad to have been there.
October. — On to Heidelberg, a charming old place
surrounded by mountains. We went to the Castle and
had a fine time roving about the ruins, looking at the
view from the great terrace, admiring the quaint stone
images of knights, saints, monsters, and angels, and vis
iting the big tun in the cellar by torchlight.
The moon rose while we were there and completed the
enchantment of the scene.
The drive home was like looking at a picture-book, for
the street was narrow, the carriage high, and we looked
in at the windows, seeing pretty scenes. Here, men drink
ing beer in a Dutch-looking room ; there, little children
going to bed ; a pair of lovers with a pot of flowers be
tween them ; an old woman brooding over the fire like a
Europe, and Little Women. 177
witch ; and in one room some one lay dead surrounded
by candles.
From H. we went to Baden-Baden, a very fashionable
place. The old chateau was my delight, and we passed
a morning going up and down to visit it. Next to Frei
burg, where the Cathedral delighted me extremely, being
full of old carved images and grotesque designs ; the
market-place with the fountains, statues, water running
beside the streets, and queer costumes.
Basle came next, and a firemen's fete made the city
very gay. The hotel was on the river, and moonlight
made a Venetian scene for me with the lighted bridge,
covered with gondola-like boats and music from both
shores. I walk while A. rests, and enjoy sights from my
window when she is asleep, as I cannot leave her at
night.
On our way to Berne I caught my first glimpse of the
Alps, October 8th, mother's birthday. Tall, white, spec
tral-looking shapes they were, towering above the green
hills and valleys that lay between. Clouds half hid them,
and the sun glittered on the everlasting snow that lay
upon their tops. Sharp, strange outlines against the sky
they became as night came on, and in the morning I had
a fine view of the Jungfrau, the Bliimlis, the Wetterhorn,
and Monch from the terrace at Berne.
B. was a queer old city, but I saw little of it except the
bears and shops. No time.
Freiburg No. 2 was the most romantic place we have
been in. The town is built in a wide crevice or valley
between two steep hills, so that suspension bridges are
hung from height to height over a winding river and the
streets of the town. Watch-towers stand all about on the
hills, and give a very romantic air to the place. The hotel
overhung the valley, and from our rooms we went out
178 Louisa May Alcott.
along a balcony to a wide, paved platform with a fountain
in the middle, an aviary, and flowers all about. The view
down the valley was charming, — the airy bridges, green
or rocky slopes, busy squares below, cows and goats feed
ing on the hills, the towers, the old church, and a lovely
blue sky overhead- I longed to sketch it.
At Lausanne we stopped at the Hotel Gibbon and saw
the garden where the great historian wrote his history.
The view of the lake was lovely, with rocky mountains
opposite, little towns at their feet, vineyards along the
hillsides, and pretty boats on the lake, the water of which
was the loveliest blue.
To Vevay at last, — a pleasant hour's sail to a very
pleasant place. We took rooms at the Pension Victoria.
Our landlady was an English woman who had married a
French courier. Very kind sort of people : rooms com
fortable, meals good, and surroundings agreeable. Our
fellow- boarders varied from time to time, — an English
doctor and wife, a fine old lady with them who looked
like -Marie Antoinette ; two Scotch ladies named Glennie,
very pleasant, well-bred ladies who told me about Beattie
who was their grandfather, and Walter Scott whom they
knew ; Colonel and family, rebels, and very bitter
and rude to us. Had queer times with them.
I did not enjoy the life nor the society after the first
novelty wore off, for I missed my freedom and grew very
tired of the daily worry which I had to go through with.
November. — (Laurie) Took some French lessons with
Mademoiselle Germain and learned a little, but found it
much harder than I thought, and often got discouraged,
I was so stupid. A. got much better, and some new
people came. The doctor and his set left, and in their
place came a Russian family, an Irish lady and daughter,
and a young Pole with whom we struck up a friendship.
Europe* and Little Women. 179
Ladislas Wisinewski (Laurie) was very gay and agreeable,
and being ill and much younger we petted him. He
played beautifully, and was very anxious to learn English,
so we taught him that and he taught us French.
On my birthday A. gave me a pretty painting of Chillon.
Ladislas promised me the notes of the Polish National
Hymn, and played me his sweetest airs as a present after
wishing me " All good and happiness on earth, and a high
place in Heaven as my reward." It was a mild, windy
day, very like me in its fitful changes of sunshine and
shade. Usually I am sad on my birthday, but not this
time ; for though nothing very pleasant happened, I was
happy and hopeful and enjoyed everything with unusual
relish. I feel rather old with my thirty-three years, but
have much to keep me young, and hope I shall not grow
older in heart as the time goes on. I thought much of
dear father on this his sixty-sixth birthday, and missed
the little ceremony that always takes place on these occa
sions. Hope I shall be safely at home before another
November comes.
December. — Laurie very interesting and good. Pleas
ant walks and talks with him in the chateau garden and
about Vevay. A lovely sail on the lake, and much fun
giving English and receiving French lessons. Every one
very kind, and the house quite home-like. Much inde
cision about going to Nice owing to the cholera. At last
we decided to go, and started on the 6th to meet G. at
Geneva. L. went with us to Lausanne, kissed our hands
at parting, and went back to V. disconsolate. Sad times
for all, but we journeyed away to Nice and tried to forget
our troubles. A flat uninteresting country till we ap
proached the sea.
Nice very pleasant, climate lovely, and sea beautiful.
We lived in our own rooms, and saw no one but the
i8o Louisa May Alcott.
doctor and Consul and a few American callers. A
pleasant drive every day on the Promenade, — a wide
curving wall along the bay with hotels and Pensions on
one side and a flowery walk on the other. Gay car
riages and people always to be seen ; shops full of fine
and curious things ; picturesque castles, towers, and walls
on one hill; a lighthouse on each point of the moon-
shaped bay; boats and our fleet on the water; gar
dens, olive and orange-trees, queer cacti, and palms
all about on the land; monks, priests, soldiers, peas
ants, etc.
A dull Christmas within doors, though a lovely day
without. Windows open, roses blooming, air mild, and
city gay. With friends, health, and a little money how
jolly one might be in this perpetual summer.
January, 1866. — Nice. Rained all New Year's day,
and I spent it sewing, writing, and reading an American
newspaper which came in the morning, my only present.
I hoped for letters but got none, and was much disap
pointed. A. was ill, so I had to receive in American style.
Mr. Perkins, Cooper, and the Consul called. At dinner
we drank the healths of all at home, and did not forget
Laddie (Laurie).
A quiet, dull time generally, driving sometimes, walking
little, and writing letters. Now and then I got a pleasant
walk by myself away among the vineyards and olive-trees
or down into the queer old city. I soon tired of the
fashionable Promenade, for every one was on exhibition.
Sometimes before or after the fashionable hour I walked
there and enjoyed the sea and sky.
A ball was given at our Pension and we went. A
queer set, — Russians, Spaniards, French, English,
Americans, Italians, Jews, and Sandwich Islanders. They
danced wildly, dressed gayly, and sounded as if the
Europe, and Little Women* 181
" confusion of tongues " was come again. A few pleas
ant Americans called on us, but we were very lonely and
uncomfortable.
Decided to take an apartment No. 10 Rue Geoffredo,
paying six hundred francs for ten weeks, six rooms, all
large and handsome. Dr. P. got us a good maid, and
on the i yth we went to our new quarters. Madame
Rolande was French governess for six years to Victoria's
children, and was a funny old party.
Could n't sleep at all for some nights, and felt very
poorly, for my life did n't suit me and the air was too
exciting.
February. — Got on excellently with our housekeeping,
for Julie proved a treasure and we were very comfortable.
Had many lovely drives, and saw something of Nice and
its beauties. To Cimies, an old Franciscan monastery
near the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. The convent
stands where a temple of Diana once stood, and is sur
rounded by ancient ilex trees. A monk in his cowl,
brown robe, sandals, and rope girdle did the honors of
the church, which was dark and full of bad pictures. San
Andre with its chateau and grotto, Villa Franca in a
lovely little bay, the wood of Var where the daisies grew,
Valrosa, a villa in a rose garden, and the Porte were all
interesting. Also Castle Hill, which overlooks the town.
I decided to go home in May, though A. wants me to
stay. I 'm tired of it, and as she is not going to travel,
my time is too valuable to be wasted.
The carnival occurred. Funny, but not so fine a sight
as I expected. Also went to the theatre to see " Lady
Tartuffe." Had a pleasant time, though I could n't un
derstand much. The acting was so natural and good
that I caught the plot, and with a little telling from
Hosmer knew what was going on.
1 82 Louisa May Alcott.
Wrote a little on three stories which would come into
my head and worry me till I gave them a " vent."
Good letters from home. All well and busy, and long
ing for me in the spring.
March. — A tedious month, which might have been
quite the reverse had I been free to enjoy it in my own
way. Read French, walked to my favorite places, and
wrote letters when I found time.
Went often to Valrosa, a lovely villa buried in roses.
Got a wheeled chair and a man to draw it, then with
books, lunch, and work, I tempted A. out into the woods,
and we had some pleasant hours.
April. — Went to the Cathedral to see the Easter cere
monies. Fine music, the Gloria was sung, a Franciscan
monk preached, the Bishop blessed every one, and was
fussed over like a great doll. A very splendid scene.
Saw Ristori twice, once in " Medea " and once in "Eliza
beth." Never saw such acting ; especially in Queen Bess,
it was splendid, as she changes from the young, violent,
coquettish woman to the peevish old crone dying with her
crown on, vain, ambitious, and remorseful.
May. — On the first day of the month left A. and Nice
and started alone for Paris, feeling as happy as a freed
bird.
A pleasant journey, Laddie waiting for me in Paris to
take me to my room at Madame Dyne's. A very charm
ing fortnight here ; the days spent in seeing sights with
my Laddie, the evenings in reading, writing, hearing " my
boy " play, or resting. Saw all that I wished to see in a
very pleasant way, and on the i yth reluctantly went to
London.
Passed a fortnight at a lovely old place on Wimbledon
Common with the Conways, going to town with them to
see the lions, Royal Exhibition, Hampton Court, Kensing-
Europe, and Little Women. 183
ton and British Museums, Crystal Palace, and many other
pleasant places. But none were lovelier to me than the
old farm-house with the thatched roof, the common of
yellow gorse, larks going up in the morning, nightingales
flying at night, hawthorne everywhere, and Richmond
Park full of deer close by. Also Robin Hood's barn.
June. — Passed the first ten days of the month at
Aubrey House with the Peter Taylors. A lovely English
home with kind, pure, and friendly people. Saw many
interesting persons, — Miss Cobbe, Jean Ingelow, Dr.
Garrett, Madame Bodichon, Matilde Blinde, Mill, Bright,
Gladstone, Hughes, and the rest at the House of Com
mons where Mr. T. took me.
Went to a dinner-party or two, theatres, to hear Dick
ens read, a concert, conversazione and receptions, seeing
English society, or rather one class of it, and liking what
I saw.
On the nth went to board with Mrs. Travers in West-
bourne Grove Terrace. A pleasant little room, plain
living, and for society Mrs. T. and daughter, two sisters
from Dublin, and ten young men, — barristers, clerks,
ministers, and students. A guinea a week.
Very free and jolly, roaming about London all day,
dining late and resting, chatting, music, or fun in the
evening.
Saw the Tower, Windsor, Parks, Gardens, and all man
ner of haunts of famous men and women, — Milton's house,
Johnson's in Ball Court, Lamb's, Sairy Gamp's, Saracen's
Head, the Charter House where Thackeray was when a
lad, Furnival's Inn where Dickens wrote Pickwick, Bacon's
Walk, and endless memorable sights. St. Paul's I liked
better than Notre Dame.
July. — At Mrs. Travers's till the yth. Saw Routledge
about "Moods." He took it, would like another book,
184 Louisa May Alcott.
and was very iriendly. Said good- by all round, and at
six A. M. on the yth left for Liverpool with Mr. W., who
saw to my luggage and went part way. Reached the
"Africa" safely.
A trip of fourteen stormy, dull, long, sick days, but at
last at eleven at night we sailed up the harbor in the
moonlight, and I saw dear John waiting for me on the
wharf. Slept on board, and next day reached home at
noon to find Father at the station, Nan and babies at the
gate, May flying wildly round the lawn, and Marmee cry
ing at the door. Into her arms I went, and was at home
at last.
Happy days, talking and enjoying one another. Many
people came to see me, and all said I was much improved ;
of which I was glad, as there was, is, and always will be
room for it.
Found Mother looking old, sick, and tired ; Father as
placid as ever ; Nan poorly, but blest in her babies ; May
full of plans, as usual ; Freddy very stout and loving ; and
my Jack the dearest, prettiest, merriest baby boy that ever
kissed and loved everybody.
August. — Soon fell to work on some stories, for things
were, as I expected, behindhand when the money-maker
was away. Found plenty to do, as orders from E., L.,
"Independent," "U. S. C. S. Magazine," and several
other offers waited for me. Wrote two long tales for L.
and got $200 for them. One for E. for which he paid
$75, also a bit of poetry for $5. He wanted a long
story in twenty-four chapters, and I wrote it in a fort
night, — one hundred and eighty-five pages, — besides
work, sewing, nursing, and company.
Sent S. E. S. the first $100 on my account ; could have
sent $300, but it was needed, so I gave it up unwillingly,
and must work away for the rest. Mother borrowed the
» Europe, and Little Women. 185
money that I might stay longer and see England, as I had
missed much while condemned to " hard work and soli
tary confinement for nine months," as she expressed it.
September. — Mother sick, did little with my pen. Got
a girl, and devoted myself to Mother, writing after she was
abed. In this way finished a long tale. But E. would
not have it, saying it was too long and too sensational !
November. — Mother slowly mending. A sensible West
ern woman " rubbed " her, and did her a great deal of
good. She left her room and seemed more like herself.
I never expect to see the strong, energetic Marmee of old
times, but, thank the Lord ! she is still here, though pale
and weak, quiet and sad ; all her fine hair gone, and
face full of wrinkles, bowed back, and every sign of age.
Life has been so hard for her, and she so brave, so glad
to spend herself for others. Now we must live for her.
On Miss Alcott's return from Europe in July,
1866, she devoted herself as earnestly as ever to the
personal care of her mother and to story-writing
for the support of the family. She agreed to
write a fifty-dollar tale once a month, and besides
this wrote many short stories for other publishers.
Her father's return from the West with two hun
dred dollars, earned on his western trip, gave her
some relief; and she was cheered by hearing that
" Moods " was selling well in Europe. But she
was not well, and she felt anxious and troubled
about many things. Her journal of these months
is very meagre; and January, 1867, opens with the
statement that she is " sick from too hard work."
Yet the account of stories furnished to publishers
continues till August, when she went to Clark's
Island for a few weeks of recreation. Here her
1 86 Louisa May Alcott.
spirits returned, and she spent, as she says, " a
harem-scarem fortnight," which must have given her
great refreshment. She says : " Got to work again
after my long vacation, for bills accumulate and
worry me. I dread debt more than anything."
In the journal occurs this slight notice of the
first step in one of the most important achieve
ments of her life, of which I shall speak more fully
hereafter: —
Journal.
September, 1867. — Niles, partner of Roberts, asked
me to write a girls' book. Said I 'd try.
F. asked me to be the editor of " Merry's Museum."
Said I ?d try.
Began at once on both new jobs ; but did n't like
either.
The Radical Club met at Sargent's. Fine time.
Bartol inspired ; Emerson chairman ; Alcott on his legs ;
strong-minded ladies out in full force ; aesthetic tea for
refreshment.
October. — Agreed with F. to be editor for $500 a
year. Read manuscripts, write one story each month and
an editorial. On the strength of this engagement went
to Boston, took a room — No. 6 Hayward Place — fur
nished it, and set up housekeeping for myself. Cannot
keep well in C., so must try Boston, and not work too
hard.
On the 28th rode to B. on my load of furniture with
Fred, feeling as if I was going to camp out in a new coun
try; hoped it would prove a hospitable and healthy
land.
This incident appears in " The Old-fashioned
Europe, and Little Women. 187
Girl" (p. 153), where the country girl goes into
the city in a farmer's cart, with a squash pie in
her hand given her at parting by an old friend.
Her sister May had a drawing class at her room
every day, which gave Louisa the pleasure of
companionship.
Miss Alcott was an enthusiastic admirer of
Dickens, and she entered into the humor of his
homely characters most heartily. She acted " Mrs.
Jarley displaying her waxwork " nine times this
winter, and was always successful in giving life and
variety to the representation. She was constantly
called upon to act for charity. She enjoyed the
fun. and as she could not give money, it satisfied
her generous nature to be able to help in any way.
She wrote an article for Mr. B., called " Happy
Women," in which she gratified her love of single
life by describing the delightful spinsters of her ac
quaintance. Her sketches are all taken from life,
and are not too highly colored. The Physician,
the Artist, the Philanthropist, the Actress, the
Lawyer, are easily recognizable. They were a
" glorious phalanx of old maids," as Theodore
Parker called the single women of his Society,
who aided him so much in his work.
To her Mother.
JANUARY, 1868.
Things look promising for the new year. F. $20 for
the little- tales, and wrote two every month; G. $25 for
the " Bells ;" L. $100 for the two "Proverb" stories.
L. takes all I '11 send ; and F. seems satisfied.
So my plan will work well, and I shall make my $1,000
1 88 Louisa May Alcott.
this year in spite of sickness and worry. Praise the Lord
and keep busy, say I.
I am pretty well, and keep so busy I have n't time to
be sick. Every one is very clever to me ; and I often
think as I go larking round, independent, with more work
than I can do, and half-a-dozen publishers asking for
tales, of the old times when I went meekly from door to
door peddling my first poor little stories, and feeling so
rich with $10.
It 's clear that Minerva Moody is getting on, in spite of
many downfalls, and by the time she is a used up old lady
of seventy or so she may finish her job, and see her family
well off. A little late to enjoy much may be ; but I guess
I shall turn in for my last long sleep with more content, in
spite of the mortal weariness, than if I had folded my hands
and been supported in elegant idleness, or gone to the
devil in fits of despair because things moved so slowly.
Keep all the money I send ; pay up every bill ; get
comforts and enjoy yourselves. Let 's be merry while we
may, and lay up a bit for a rainy day.
With which gem from Aristotle, I am, honored Madam,
your dutiful and affectionate L. M. ALCOTT.
Regards to Plato. Don't he want new socks? Are
his clothes getting shiny ?
Although, as I have said, little direct European
influence is observable in Miss Alcott's writings
from her journeys in Europe, yet this first visit had
a marked effect upon her life and writings. She
was unfavorably situated to gain the refreshment
she sorely needed ; and yet she did get a great deal
from the entire change of surroundings, from the
larger horizon into which she entered, from her
rich enjoyment of scenery, and from the variety
Europe, and Little Women. 189
of companions she met. Probably she looked
through new spectacles at her own work, as she de
scribes herself as looking through those of Professor
Bhaer, and she saw all the defects of the pot-boiling
stories which she had been pouring out one after
another, without strong purpose, or regard for ar
tistic excellence. She had also the chance to look
upon her own early life and home from a distance;
and as she thought of the incidents of those years
they grouped into more harmonious lines, and she
saw how much they contained of real life, of true
poetry and humor, as well as moral significance.
So the old idea of " The Pathetic Family " took
shape anew in her mind.
In July, 1863, the enterprising firm of Roberts
Brothers asked her for the publication in book
form of " Hospital Sketches," which were then ap
pearing in the " Commonwealth " newspaper, being
struck by their intense reality and originality. At
the time, as she states in her journal, she preferred
to allow Mr. Redpath to publish them. Later, in
September, 1867, Roberts Brothers asked her to
write a girls' book for them, and in May, 1868,
they repeated the request through her father, who
had brought to them a collection of short stories
for publication.
Miss Alcott's fancy had always been for depict
ing the life of boys rather than girls ; but she fort
unately took the suggestion of the publisher, and
said, like Col. Miller, " I '11 try, sir." The old idea
of " The Pathetic Family " recurred to her mind ;
and she set herself to describe the early life of her
home. The book was finished in July, named
190 Louisa May Alcott.
" Little Women," and sent to the publishers, who
promptly accepted it, making Miss Alcott an out
right offer for the copyright, but at the same time
advising her not to part with it. It was published
in October, and the result is well known. She was
quite unconscious of the unusual merit of the book,
thinking, as she says, the first chapters dull, and so
was quite surprised at her success. " It reads bet
ter than I expected," she says ; and she truly adds,
" We really lived most of it, and if it succeeds, that
will be the reason of it."
But that is not the whole secret of its success.
Through many trials and many failures Louisa
had learned her literary art. By her experience in
melodrama she had proved the emptiness of sensa
tional writing, and knew how to present the simple
and true, — seemingly without art, but really with
the nicest art of discrimination and emphasis. All
her previous training and experience were needed
to fit her for the production of her masterpiece ;
for in spite of all the good work she did later, this
remains her masterpiece, by which she will be re
membered and loved. Already twenty-one years
have passed, and another generation has come up
since she published this book, yet it still commands
a steady sale ; and the mothers who read it in their
childhood renew their enjoyment as they watch the
faces of their little girls brighten with smiles over
the theatricals in the barn, or moisten with tears at
the death of the beloved sister. One of the great
est charms of the book is its perfect truth to New
England life. But it is not merely local ; it touches
the universal heart deeply.
Europe, and Little Women. 191
The excitement of the children was intense ;
they claimed the author as their own property, and
felt as if she were interpreting their very lives and
thoughts. The second series was anticipated with
the eagerness of a bulletin from the war and the
stock market. But unlike Miss Alcott herself, the
children took especial interest in the love-story,
and when poor Laurie was so obstinately refused
by Jo, " they wept aloud, and refused to be com
forted," and in some instances were actually made
ill by grief and excitement.
Miss Alcott had now secured publishers in
whom she placed perfect confidence, and who
henceforth relieved her of the worry of business
matters, dealing directly and fairly by her, and
consulting her interests as well as their own. This
is abundantly shown by her private journals and
letters.
The success of " Little Women " was so well
assured that Miss Alcott at once set about prepar
ing the second part, which was eagerly demanded
by the little women outside, who wanted all the
girls to marry, and rather troubled her by wishing
to settle matters their own way. She finished
writing the sequel, which had been rapid work,
Jan. i, 1869.
The success of "Little Women" was not con
fined to this country. The book was translated
into French, German, and Dutch, and has become
familiarly known in England and on the Continent.
In Holland the first series was published under the
title " Under the Mother's Wings," and the second
part as " On Their Own Wings ; " and these two
TQ2 Louisa May Alcott.
books with " Work " established her fame among
the children, who still continue to read her stories
with fresh delight.
It is hardly necessary to analyze or criticise this
happy production. It is a realistic transcript of
life, but idealized by the tenderness of real feeling.
It teaches the lessons of every-day conduct and
inculcates the simplest virtues of truth, earnest
effort, and loving affection. There is abundant
humor, but no caricature, and tender, deep feeling
without sentimentality.
Miss Alcott herself did not wish her representa
tive, Jo, to marry; but the demand of the publisher
and the public was so imperative that she created
her German professor, of whom no prototype ex
isted. While some of her romantic young readers
were not satisfied at Jo's preferring him to the
charming Laurie, he is certainly a genuine, warm
hearted man, who would probably have held her
affections by his strong moral and intellectual traits.
That he became a very living personality to the
author is evident from his reappearance in " Jo's
Boys," where he has the same strong, cheery influ
ence in the school and home that she found from
him in her girlhood. The style of the book is
thoroughly easy and colloquial; and the girls talk
and act like girls, and not like prim little women.
The influence of the book has been wide and
deep, and has helped to make a whole generation
of girls feel a deeper sense of family lov» and
the blessings to be gained from lives of earnest
effort, mutual sacrifice, and high aims.
Much interest has been expressed in regard to
Europe \ and Little Women. 193
the originals of the characters in " Little Women."
This is the author's own statement: —
Facts in the stories that are true, though often changed
as to time and place : —
" Little Women " — The early plays and experiences ;
Beth's death ; Jo's literary and Amy's artistic experiences ;
Meg's happy home ; John Brooke and his death ; Demi's
character. Mr. March did not go to the war, but Jo did.
Mrs. March is all true, only not half good enough.
Laurie is not an American boy, though every lad I ever
knew claims the character. He was a Polish boy, met
abroad in 1865. Mr. Lawrence is my grandfather,
Colonel Joseph May. Aunt March is no one.
Journal-
January, 1868. Gamps Garret, Hayward Place,
Boston. — The year begins well and cheerfully for us
all. Father and Mother comfortable at home ; Anna
and family settled in Chelsea ; May busy with her draw
ing classes, of which she has five or six, and the prospect
of earning $150 a quarter; also she is well and in good
spirits.
I am in my little room, spending busy, happy days,
because I have quiet, freedom, work enough, and
strength to do it. F. pays me $500 a year for my name
and some editorial work on Merry's Museum ; " The
Youth's Companion " pays $20 for two short tales each
month; L. $50 and $100 for all I will send him; and
others take anything I have. My way seems clear for
the year if I can only keep well. I want to realize
my dream of supporting the family and being perfectly
independent. Heavenly hope !
194 Louisa May Alcott.
I have written twenty-five stories the past year, besides
the fairy book containing twelve. Have earned $1,000,
paid my own way, sent home some, paid up debts, and
helped May.
For many years we have not been so comfortable :
May and I both earning, Annie with her good John to
lean on, and the old people in a cosey home of our own.
After last winter's hard experience, we cannot be too
grateful.
To-day my first hyacinth bloomed, white and sweet, —
a good omen, — a little flag of truce, perhaps, from the
enemies whom we have been fighting all these years.
Perhaps we are to win after all, and conquer poverty,
neglect, pain, and debt, and march on with flags flying
into the new world with the new year.
Thursday, ^th. — A queer day. Up early, and had
my bread and milk and baked apples. Fed my doves.
Made May a bonnet, and cut out a flannel wrapper for
Marmee, who feels the cold in the Concord snowbanks.
Did my editorial work in the p. M., and fixed my dresses
for the plays. L. sent $50, and F. $40, for tales. A.
and boys came.
To Dorchester in evening, and acted Mrs. Pontifex, in
" Naval Engagements," to a good house. A gay time,
had flowers, etc. Talked half the night with H. A. about
the fast ways of young people nowadays, and gave the
child much older-sisterly advice, as no one seems to see
how much she needs help at this time of her young life.
Dreamed that I was an opera dancer, and waked up
prancing.
Wednesday, \^th. — Wrote all day. Did two short
tales for F. In the evening with A. M. to hear Fanny
Kemble read "The Merchant of Venice." She was a
whole stock company in herself. Looked younger and
Europe, and Little Women. 195
handsomer than ever before, and happy, as she is to be
with her daughters now. We went to supper afterwards
at Mrs. Parkman's, and saw the lioness feed. It was a
study to watch her face, so full of varying expression
was it, — always strong, always sweet, then proud and
fierce as she sniffed at nobodies who passed about her.
Being one, I kept away, and enjoyed the great creature
afar off, wondering how a short, stout, red woman could
look so like a queen in her purple velvet and point lace.
Slipped behind a door, but Dr. Holmes found me
out, and affably asked, " How many of you children are
there?" As I was looking down on the top of his illus
trious head, the question was funny. But I answered
the little man with deep respect, " Four, sir." He
seemed to catch my naughty thought, and asked, with
a twinkle in his eye, looking up as if I were a steeple.
"And all as tall as you?" Ha! ha!
i8//z. — Played again at D., and had a jolly time.
Home early, and putting off my fine feathers, fell to
work on my stories. F. seems to expect me to write the
whole magazine, which I did not bargain for.
To Nan's in p. M., to take care of her while the Papa
and Freddie went to C. The dear little man, so happy
and important with his bit of a bag, six pennies, and a
cake for refreshment during the long journey of an hour.
We brooded over Johnny as if he were a heavenly
sort of fire to warm and comfort us with his sunny little
face and loving ways. She is a happy woman ! I sell
my children ; and though they feed me, they don't love
me as hers do.
Little Tranquillity played alone all day, and made a
pretty picture sitting in "marmar's" lap in his night-gown,
talking through the trumpet to her. She never heard his
sweet little voice in any other way. Poor Nan !
196 Louisa May Alcott.
Wednesday, 22$. — To the Club with Father. A good
paper on the " Historical View of Jesus." Father spoke
finely. It amuses me to see how people listen and ap
plaud now what was hooted at twenty years ago.
The talk lasted until two, and then the hungry phi
losophers remembered they had bodies and rushed away,
still talking.
[Hard to feed. — L. M. A. ]
Got a snow-slide on my bonnet, so made another in the
p. M., and in the evening to the Antislavery Festival. All
the old faces and many new ones. Glad I have lived in
the time of this great movement, and known its heroes
so well. War times suit me, as I am a fighting May.
2^th. — My second hyacinth bloomed pale blue, like a
timid hope, and I took the omen for a good one, as I
am getting on, and have more than I can do of the work
that I once went begging for. Enjoyed the little spring
my little flower made for me, and Buzzy, my pet fly,
moved into the sweet mansion from his hanging garden
in the ivy pot.
Acted in Cambridge, Lucretia Buzzard and Mrs.
Jarley.
Sunday, 31 st. — Last day of the month, but I'm not
satisfied with my four weeks' work. Acting for charity
upsets my work. The change is good for me, and so I
do it, and because I have no money to give.
Four tales this month. Received $70; sent $30
home. No debts.
February \st. — Arranged "Hospital Sketches and
War Stories " for a book. By taking out all Biblical
allusions, and softening all allusions to rebs., the book
may be made " quite perfect," I am told. Anything to
suit customers.
Europe, and Little Women. 197
Friday, 14^/1. — My third hyacinth bloomed this A.M.,
a lovely pink. So I found things snug, and had a busy
day chasing who dodged. Then I wrote my tales.
Made some shirts for my boys, and went out to buy
a squash pie for my lonely supper. It snowed ; was
very cold. No one paid, and I wanted to send some
money home. Felt cross and tired as I trudged back
at dusk. My pie turned a somersault, a boy laughed,
so did I, and felt better. On my doorstep I found a
gentleman who asked if Miss A. lived here. I took
him up my winding stair and found him a very delight
ful fly, for he handed me a letter out of which fell a
$100 bill. With this bait Mr. B. lured me to write "one
column of Advice to Young Women," as Mrs. Shaw
and others were doing. If he had asked me for a
Greek oration I would have said " yes." So I gave a
receipt, and the very elegant agent bowed himself away,
leaving my " 'umble " bower full of perfume, and my soul
of peace.
Thriftily taking advantage of the enthusiastic moment,
I planned my article while I ate my dilapidated pie. and
then proceeded to write it with the bill before me. It
was about old maids. " Happy Women " was the title,
and I put in my list all the busy, useful, independent
spinsters I know, for liberty is a better husband than love
to many of us. This was a nice little episode in my
trials of an authoress, so I record it.
So the pink hyacinth was a true prophet, and I went
to bed a happy millionaire, to dream of flannel petticoats
for my blessed Mother, paper for Father, a new dress for
May, and sleds for my boys.
Monday, ly/ft. — Father came full of plans about his
book. Went with him to the Club. P. read a paper,
and the Rabbi Nathan talked. A curious jumble of
198 Louisa May Alcott.
fools and philosophers. The Club should be kept more
select, and not be run by one person.
Tuesday, z^th. — Note from Lady Amberly as I sat
sewing on my ninepenny dress. She wanted to come
and see me, and I told her to do so, and I 'd show her
how I lived in my sky-parlor, — spinning yarns like a
spider. Met her at the Club, and liked her, so simple
and natural.
Acted for Mr. Clarke's Church Fair in the evening.
Did Mrs. Jarley three times. Very hoarse with a cold,
but kept my promise.
" Proverb Stories" suggested, and " Kitty's Class-Day"
written.
Friday, 28^. — Packed for home, as I am needed
there, and acted Jarley for the third evening. Have
done it nine times this week, and my voice is gone.
I am sorry to leave my quiet room, for I Ve enjoyed
it very much.
Written eight long tales, ten short ones, read stacks of
manuscripts, and done editorial work. Acted for charity
twelve times.
Not a bad two months' work. I can imagine an easier
life, but with love, health, and work I can be happy ; for
these three help one to do, to be, and to endure all
things.
March, April, and May. — Had the pleasure of pro
viding Marmee with many comforts, and keeping the
hounds of care and debt from worrying her. She sits
at rest in her sunny room, and that is better than any
amount of fame to me.
May, 1868. — Father saw Mr. Niles about a fairy
book. Mr. N. wants a girls' story, and I begin " Little
Women." Marmee, Anna, and May all approve my
plan. So I plod away, though I don't enjoy this sort
Europe, and Little Women. 199
of thing. Never liked girls or knew many, except my
sisters ; but our queer plays and experiences may prove
interesting, though I doubt it.
[Good joke. — L. M. A.]
june, — Sent twelve chapters of " L. W." to Mr. N.
He thought it dull; so do I. But work away and mean
to try the experiment ; for lively, simple books are very
much needed for girls, and perhaps I can supply the
need.
Wrote two tales for Ford, and one for F. L. clamors
for more, but must wait.
July i5//z. — Have finished "Little Women," and sent
it off, — 402 pages. May is designing some pictures for
it. Hope it will go, for I shall probably get nothing for
" Morning Glories."
Very tired, head full of pain from overwork, and heart
heavy about Marmee, who is growing feeble.
[Too much work for one young woman. No wonder she
broke down. 1876. — L. M. A.]
Augiist. — Roberts Bros, made an offer for the story,
but at the same time advised me to keep the copyright ;
so I shall.
[An honest publisher and a lucky author, for the copy
right made her fortune, and the " dull book " was the first
golden egg of the ugly duckling. 1885. — L. M. A.]
August 26th. — Proof of whole book came. It reads
better than I expected. Not a bit sensational, but simple
and true, for we really lived most of it ; and if it suc
ceeds that will be the reason of it. Mr. N. likes it better
now, and says some girls who have read the manuscripts
say it is " splendid ! " As it is for them, they are the
best critics, so I should be satisfied.
200 Louisa May Alcott.
September. — Father's book ["Tablets"] came out.
Very simple outside, wise and beautiful within. Hope it
will bring him praise and profit, for he has waited long.
No girl, Mother poorly, May busy with pupils, Nan
with her boys, and much work to be done. We don't
like the kitchen department, and our tastes and gifts lie
in other directions, so it is hard to make the various
Pegasuses pull the plan steadily.
October %th. — Marmee's birthday; sixty-eight. After
breakfast she found her gifts on a table in the study.
Father escorted her to the big red chair, the boys
prancing before blowing their trumpets, while we "girls"
marched behind, glad to see the dear old Mother better
and able to enjoy our little fete. The boys proudly
handed her the little parcels, and she laughed and cried
over our gifts and verses.
I feel as if the decline had begun for her ; and each
year will add to the change which is going on, as time
alters the energetic, enthusiastic home-mother into a
gentle, feeble old woman, to be cherished and helped
tenderly down the long hill she has climbed so bravely
with her many burdens.
October 26th. — Came to Boston, and took a quiet
room in Brookline Street. Heard Emerson in the even
ing. Sent a report of it to A. P. for the " Standard " at
his desire.
Anna is nicely settled in her new house, and Marmee
is with her. Helped put down carpets and settle things.
3O/$. — Saw Mr. N. of Roberts Brothers, and he gave
me good news of the book. An order from London for
an edition came in. First edition gone and more called
for. Expects to sell three or four thousand before the
New Year.
Mr. N. wants a second volume for spring. Pleasant
Europe, and Little Women. 201
notices and letters arrive, and much interest in my
little women, who seem to find friends by their truth
to life, as I hoped.
November \st. — Began the second part of " Little
Women." I can do a chapter a day, and in a month
I mean to be done. A little success is so inspiring that
I now find my " Marches " sober, nice people, and as I
can launch into the future, my fancy has more play.
Girls write to ask who the little women marry, as if that
was the only end and aim of a woman's life. I won't
marry Jo to Laurie to please any one.
Monday, \6th. — To the Club for a change, as I have
written like a steam engine since the ist. Weiss read a
fine paper on "Woman Suffrage." Good talk afterward.
Lunched with Kate Field, Celia Thaxter, and Mr. Linton.
Woman's Club in p. M.
iyt/1. — Finished my thirteenth chapter. I am so full
of my work, I can't stop to eat or sleep, or for anything
but a daily run.
2<)th. — My birthday; thirty-six. Spent alone, writ
ing hard. No presents but Father's "Tablets."
I never seem to have many presents, as some do,
though I give a good many. That is best perhaps, and
makes a gift very precious when it does come.
December. — Home to shut up the house, as Father
goes West and Mother to Anna's. A cold, hard, dirty
time ; but was so glad to be oif out of C. that I worked
like a beaver, and turned the key on Apple Slump with
joy-
May and I went to the new Bellevue Hotel in Beacon
Street. She does n't enjoy quiet corners as I do, so wi;
took a sky-parlor, and had a queer time whisking up and
down in the elevator, eating in a marble caf£, and sleeping
on a sofa bed, that we might be genteel. It did not suit
2O2 Louisa May Alcott.
me at all. A great gale nearly blew the roof off. Steam
pipes exploded, and we were hungry. I was very tired
with my hard summer, with no rest for the brains that
earn the money.
January, 1869. — Left our lofty room at Bellevue and
went to Chauncey Street. Sent the sequel of " L. W."
to Roberts on New Year's Day. Hope it will do as well
as the first, which is selling finely, and receives good
notices. F. and F. both want me to continue working
for them, and I shall do so if I am able ; but my head
aches, cough, and weariness keep me from working as I
once could, fourteen hours a day.
In March we went home, as Mother was restless at
Nan's, and Father wanted his library. Cold and dull ;
not able to write ; so took care of Marmee and tried to
rest.
Paid up all the debts, thank the Lord ! — every penny
that money can pay, — and now I feel as if I could die
in peace. My dream is beginning to come true ; and if
my head holds out I '11 do all I once hoped to do.
April. — Very poorly. Feel quite used up. Don't
care much for myself, as rest is heavenly even with pain ;
but the family seem so panic-stricken and helpless when
I break down, that I try to keep the mill going. Two
short tales for L., $50 ; two for Ford, $20 ; and did
my editorial work, though two months are unpaid for.
Roberts wants a new book, but am afraid to get into a
vortex lest I fall ill.
To her Piiblishers.
BOSTON, Dec. 28, 1869.
Many thanks for the check which made my Christmas
an unusually merry one.
After toiling so many years along the uphill road, —
Europe, and Little Women. 203
always a hard one to women writers, — it- is peculiarly
grateful to me to find the way growing easier at last, with
pleasant little surprises blossoming on either side, and
the rough places made smooth by the courtesy and kind
ness of those who have proved themselves friends as well
as publishers.
With best wishes for the coming year,
I am yours truly, L. M. ALCOTT.
AUGUST, 1871.
DEAR MR. NILES, — Many thanks for the fortune and
the kind note accompanying it. Please hand the money
to S. E. S., and he will put it somewhere for me. . . .
You are very kind to find a minute out of your hurried
day to attend to this affair. . . . I 'm not sure but I shall
try Dr. B. if my present and ninth doctor fails to cure my
aching bones. I have n't a bit of faith in any of them ;
but my friends won't let me gently slip away where bones
cease from troubling, so I must keep trying.
Very gratefully your friend, L. M. A.
Written in 1871, just after the publication of
"Little Men": —
AUGUST 5th.
DEAR MR. NILES, — Thanks for the parcel and notes.
. . . The letters were very gushing from Nellie and
Dollie and Sallie Somebody asking for pictures, auto
graphs, family history, and several new books right away.
I must give Dr. R. a fair trial, and if he fails I '11 try
Dr. B., just to make up the number of doctors to a
round ten.
" Happy Thoughts " is very funny, especially the trip
to Antwerp.
Yours truly, L. M. A.
CHAPTER IX.
EUROPE.
THE LAY OF A GOLDEN GOOSE,
LONG ago in a poultry yard
One dull November morn,
Beneath a motherly soft wing
A little goose was born.
Who straightway peeped out of the shell
To view the world beyond,
Longing at once to sally forth
And paddle in the pond.
" Oh ! be not rash," her father said,
A mild Socratic bird ;
Her mother begged her not to stray
With many a warning word.
But little goosey was perverse,
And eagerly did cry,
" I 've got a lovely pair of wings,
Of course I ought to fly."
In vain parental cacklings,
In vain the cold sky's frown,
Ambitious goosey tried to soar,
But always tumbled down.
The farm-yard jeered at her attempts,
The peacocks screamed, " Oh fie !
You 're only a domestic goose,
So don't pretend to fly."
Great cbck-a-doodle from his perch
Crowed daily loud and clear,
" Stay in the puddle, foolish bird,
That is your proper sphere."
Eiirope. 205
The ducks and hens said, one and all,
In gossip by the pool,
" Our children never play such pranks ;
My dear, that fowl 's a fool."
The owls came out and flew about,
Hooting above the rest,
" No useful egg was ever hatched
From transcendental nest."
Good little goslings at their play
And well-conducted chicks
Were taught to think poor goosey's flights
Were naughty, ill-bred tricks,
They were content to swim and scratch,
And not at all inclined
For any wild-goose chase in search
Of something undefined.
Hard times she had as one may guess,
That young aspiring bird,
Who still from every fall arose
Saddened but undeterred.
She knew she was no nightingale,
Yet spite of much abuse,
She longed to help and cheer the world,
Although a plain gray goose.
She could not sing, she could not fly,
Nor even walk with grace,
And all the farm-yard had declared
A puddle was her place.
But something stronger than herself
Would cry, " Go on, go on 1
Remember, though an humble fowl,
You 're cousin to a swan."
So up and down poor goosey went,
A busy, hopeful bird.
Searched many wide unfruitful fields,
And many waters stirred.
At length she came unto a stream
Most fertile of all Niles,
Where tuneful birds might soar and sing
Among the leafy isles.
206 Louisa May Alcott.
Here did she build a little nest
Beside the waters still,
Where the parental goose could rest
Un vexed by any bill.
And here she paused to smooth her plumes,
Ruffled by many plagues ;
When suddenly arose the cry,
" This goose lays golden eggs."
At once the farm-yard was agog ;
The ducks began to quack ;
Prim Guinea fowls relenting called,
" Come back, come back, come back."
Great chanticleer was pleased to give
A patronizing crow,
And the contemptuous biddies clacked,
" I wish my chicks did so."
The peacocks spread their shining tails,
And cried in accents soft,
" We want to know you, gifted one,
Come up and sit aloft."
Wise owls awoke and gravely said,
With proudly swelling breasts,
" Rare birds have always been evoked
From transcendental nests ! "
News-hunting turkeys from afar
Now ran with all thin legs
To gobble facts and fictions of
The goose with golden eggs.
But best of all the little fowls
Still playing on the shore,
Soft downy chicks and goslings gay,
Chirped out, " Dear Goose, lay more."
But goosey all these weary years
Had toiled like any ant,
And wearied out she now replied,
" My little dears, I can't.
" When I was starving, half this corn
Had been of vital use,
Now I am surfeited with food
Like any Strasbourg goose."
Europe. 207
So to escape too many friends,
Without uncivil strife,
She ran to the Atlantic pond
And paddled for her life.
Soon up among the grand old Alps
She found two blessed things,
The health she had so nearly lost,
And rest for weary limbs.
But still across the briny deep
Couched in most friendly words,
Came prayers for letters, tales, or verse,
From literary birds.
Whereat the renovated fowl
With grateful thanks profuse,
Took from her wing a quill and wrote
This lay of a Golden Goose.
BEX, SWITZERLAND, August, 1870.
THE year 1869 was less fruitful in work than
the preceding one. Miss Alcott spent the
winter in Boston and the summer in Concord.
She was ill and very tired, and felt little inclined
for mental effort. " Hospital Sketches," which
had been first published by Redpath, was now re-
published by Roberts Brothers, with the addition
of six shorter " Camp and Fireside Stories." The
interest of the public in either the author or the
work had not lessened ; for two thousand copies
of the book in its new form were sold the first
week. In her weary condition she finds her celeb
rity rather a burden than a pleasure, and says in
her journal : —
People begin to come and stare at the Alcotts. Re
porters haunt the place to look at the authoress, who
208 Louisa May Alcott.
dodges into the woods a la Hawthorne, and won't be
even a very small lion.
Refreshed my soul with Goethe, ever strong and fine
and alive. Gave S. E. S. $200 to invest. What rich
ness to have a little not needed !
Miss Alcott had some pleasant refreshment in
travelling during the summer.
July. — . . . Spent in Canada with my cousins, the
Frothinghams, at their house at Riviere du Loup, — a
little village on the St. Lawrence, full of queer people.
Drove, read, and walked with the little ones. A pleasant,
quiet time.
August. — ... A month with May at Mt. Desert.
A gay time, and a little rest and pleasure before the old
pain and worry began again.
Made up $1,000 for S. E. S. to invest. Now I have
$1,200 for a rainy day, and no debts. With that thought
I can bear neuralgia gayly.
In the autumn the whole family went to Boston,
the father and mother staying with Mrs. Pratt;
while Louisa and her sister May, " the workers,"
occupied rooms in Pinckney Street. Not being
well enough to do much new work, Louisa began
using up her old stories, and found that the little
women " helped their rejected sisters to good
places where once they went a-begging." In
January, 1870, she suffered from loss of voice,
for which she tried "heroic treatment" under a
distinguished physician. She got well enough to
write a little, and in February wrote the conclusion
to " The Old-fashioned Girl," which was published
in March. She says: -
Europe. 209
I wrote it with left hand in a sling, one foot up, head
aching, and no voice. Yet, as the book is funny, people
will say, " Did n't you enjoy doing it? " I often think of
poor Tom Hood as I scribble, rather than lie and groan.
I certainly earn my living by the sweat of my brow.
The book does not reveal this condition ; for
nothing could be fresher, brighter, and more
wholesome than the heroine Polly, many of whose
adventures are drawn from the author's own ex
perience. She steps out of her usual surroundings
into the fashionable life of the city, but betrays
her own want of sympathy with it. The book has
always been very popular.
In 1870, the success of " Hospital Sketches " and
the continued receipts from " Little Women " put
their author in a pecuniary position which enabled
her to go abroad for the rest and refreshment which
she sorely needed. The younger sister was invited
to go by her friend A. B. on condition that Louisa
would accompany them. This journey was very
free and independent. She has given an account
— somewhat travestied certainly, but very true to
the general facts — in " Shawl Straps," although
the reader would hardly suppose the old lady de
scribed in that book had not yet reached her
fortieth year. These sketches were arranged after
her return, at the request of Mrs. Stowe, for the
" Christian Union," and were published in a book
forming one volume of " Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag " in
1872.
Fortunately we have many of Louisa's original
letters preserved in her father's copies, which have
2io Louisa May Alcott.
escaped the destruction of her correspondence.
With some extracts from her journals, they give
a sufficient account of this journey. In many re
spects the contrast to her former visit to Europe is
most pleasant. She has now become pecuniarily in
dependent by her own exertions, and has a popular
reputation which brings her welcome and recogni
tion wherever she goes. But she has paid a heavy
price for these gains. Her health has become seri
ously shattered. The long application to writing,
sometimes even for fourteen hours a day, — a pres
sure of excitement which kept her from eating and
sleeping, — added to sorrow and anxiety, have told
upon her nerves and strength, and she is often un
fitted to enjoy the pleasures which are open to her.
Yet her journal and letters are as full of wit and
humor as ever ; and she laid up stores of pleasant
memories which lasted her through life. Readers
of " Shawl Straps " will recognize the originals of
those bright sketches in the series of letters from
Dinan.
Second Trip to Europe.
April. — ... On the first day of the month (fit day
for my undertaking I thought) May and I went to N. Y.
to meet A. B., with John for escort. Every one very kind.
Thirty gifts, a parting ball among our house- mates, and
a great cake. Half-a-dozen devoted beings at the station
to see us off. But I remember only Father and Mother
as they went away the day before, leaving the two am
bitious daughters to sail away, perhaps forever.
Marmee kept up bravely, and nodded and smiled ; but
at the corner I saw the white handkerchief go up to the
Europe. 2 1 1
eyes, after being gayly waved to us. May and I broke
down, and said, " We won't go ; " but next day we set
forth, as young birds will, and left the nest empty for a
year.
Sailed on the 26. in a gale of wind in the French
steamer " Lafayette " for Brest. Our adventures are told
in " Shawl Straps."
" O. F. G." came out in March, and sold well. Train-
boy going to N. Y. put it into my lap ; and when I said
I did n't care for it, exclaimed with surprise, —
" Bully book, ma'am ! Sell a lot ; better have it."
John told him I wrote it ; and his chuckle, stare, and
astonished " No ! " was great fun. On the steamer little
girls had it, and came in a party to call on me, very sea
sick in my berth, done up like a mummy.
Spent some charming weeks in Brittany.
June and July. — " O. F. G." was published in Lon
don by Sampson Low & Co. We left Dinan on the
1 5th, and had a lovely trip through France to Vevay and
Bex.
Talk of war between France and Prussia.
Much excitement at Vevay. Refugees from Lyons
come in. Isabella and Don Carlos were there, with
queer followers.
September. — ... On the 3d came news of the Em
peror's surrender. Great wailing among the French here.
All well at home. Books going finely ; no debts.
We decide to go to Rome for the winter, as May pines
for the artist's Paradise ; and war will not trouble us I
hope.
SHIP " LAFAYETTE," April 9, 1870.
DEAREST MARMEE, — To-morrow we come to our long
journey's end [Brest, France], thank the Lord. It has
been a good one on the whole, and I have got along
212 Louisa May Alcott.
as well as I expected. But it is tiresome to be day after
day doing nothing j for my head will not let me read.
May has done well, and has been very kind to me and
good, and is the life of the table, I guess. I never go up
to meals, for Marie takes such good care of me ; I lie
and peck all sorts of funny messes, and receive calls in my
den. People seem to think we are " guns," and want to
know us ; but as they are not interesting, we are on the
reserve, and it has a fine effect. About three thousand
miles away does not seem possible in so little while.
How do you all get along, — Marmee, Father, the laddies,
my lass, and dear old John? He was so good and kind
all the way I had no care or worry, but just lopped round
and let him do all the work. Bless the dear !
I shall despatch a good long letter as soon as we ar
rive and have something to tell. We send this to ease
your mind. Letters here (are not prepaid, so pay for
mine out of my money. Don't forget to tell the post
master in Boston about my letters.
Bless you all, says your Lu.
MORLAIX, April 14, 1870.
DEAREST MARMEE, — Having got our " poise " a bit by
a day and night on land, I begin at once to scribble to
you, as I mean to keep a letter on hand all the time, and
send them off as fast as they are done. We had a twelve
days' passage, owing to a double screw which they were
trying and which delayed us, though it is safer than one.
The weather was cold and rainy, and the sea rough, so I
only went up once or twice, and kept warm in my den
most of the time. After the first two days I did n't feel
sick, except my head as usual. I slept, ate, ruminated,
and counted the hours. May poked about more, and was
liked by all.
Europe. 2 1 3
We got to Brest about noon Wednesday. A. and I got
our trunks through the custom-house, and after some
squabbling with the men, got all aboard for Morlaix,
which is a curious old place worth seeing. It was a
lovely day, warm as our June, and we had a charming
trip of three hours through a country already green and
flowery. We reached our hotel all right, and after a
nice dinner had baths and went to bed. May's room
being some way from mine, she came and bunked in
with me in my little bed, and we slept.
To-day is lovely, warm, and I am sitting at an open
window looking at the square, enjoying the queer sights
and sounds ; for the air resounds with the rattle of
wooden shoes on the stones.
Market-women sit all about selling queer things, among
which are snails ; they buy them by the pint, pick them
out with a pin like nuts, and seem to relish them mightily.
We went out this A. M. after breakfast, and took a stroll
about the queer old town. May was in heaven, and
kept having raptures over the gables, the turrets with
storks on them, the fountains, people, and churches.
She is now sketching the tower of St. Melanie, with a
crowd of small boys round her enjoying the sight and
criticising the work. It don't seem very new to me, but
I enjoy it, and feel pretty well. We are to study French
every day when we settle, and I am to do the mending,
etc., for A., who is to talk for us, and make our bargains.
So far we go well together.
To-morrow we go on to Lamballe, where we take the
diligence to Dinan, fourteen miles farther, and there settle
for some weeks. I wish the boys could see the funny
children here in little wooden shoes like boats, the girls
in blue cloth caps, aprons, and shawls, just like the women,
and the boys in funny hats and sheepskin jackets. Now
214 Louisa May Alcott.
I must go and get May, who can't speak a word of French,
and has a panic if any one speaks to her. The beggars
afflict her, and she wants to give them money on all occa
sions. This P. M. we go for a drive to see all there is, as
neither A. nor I are good walkers ; " adoo " till by and
by. I wish I could send you this balmy day.
DIN AN, Sunday, April 17, 1870.
Here we are, all settled at our first neat stopping-place,
and are in clover, as you will see when I tell you how
plummy and lovely it is. We left Morlaix Friday at 8 A. M.,
and were so amazed at the small bill presented us that
we could n't praise the town enough. You can judge of
the cheapness of things, when I say that my share of the
expenses from Brest here, including two days at a hotel,
car, 'bus, and diligence fare, fees, and everything, was $8.
The day was divine, and we had a fine little journey to
Lamballe, where the fun began ; for instead of a big dili
gence, we found only a queer ramshackle thing like an
insane carryall, with a wooden boot and queer porch for
the driver.
Our four trunks were piled up behind and tied on with
old ropes, our bags stowed in a wooden box on top, and
ourselves inside with a fat Frenchman. The humpbacked
driver " ya hooped " to the horses, and away we clattered
at a wild pace, all feeling dead sure that something would
happen, for the old thing bounded and swayed awfully,
the trunks were in danger of tumbling off, and to our dis
may we soon discovered that the big Frenchman was
tipsy. He gabbled to A. as only a tipsy person could,
quoted poetry ; said he was Victor Hugo's best friend, and
a child of Nature ; that English ladies were all divine, but
too cold, — for when he pressed A.'s hand she told him
it was not allowed in England, and he was overwhelmed
Europe. 2 1 5
with remorse ; bowed, sighed, rolled his eyes, and told
her that he drank much ale, because it flew to his head
and gave him " commercial ideas."
I never saw anything so perfectly absurd as it was, and
after we got used to it we laughed ourselves sick over the
lark. You ought to have seen us and our turnout, tearing
over the road at a breakneck pace, pitching, creaking,
and rattling, the funny driver hooting at the horses, who
had their tails done up in chignons, blue harness, and
strings of bells, the drunken man warbling, exhorting, and
languishing at us all by turns, while A. headed him off
with great skill. I sat, a mass of English dignity and
coolness, suffering alternate agonies of anxiety and amuse
ment, and May, who tied her head up in a bundle, looked
like a wooden image.
It was rich ; and when we took up first a peasant woman
in wooden shoes and fly-away cap, and then a red-nosed
priest smoking a long pipe, we were a superb spectacle.
In this style we banged into Dinan, stopped at the gate,
and were dumped bag and baggage in the square. Find
ing Madame Coste's man was not here for us, we hired a
man to bring our trunks up. To our great amazement,
an oldish woman, who was greasing the wheels of a dili
gence, came, and catching up our big trunks, whipped
them into two broad carts, and taking one trotted down
the street at a fine pace, followed by the man with the
other. That was the finishing touch ; and we went laugh
ing after them through the great arched gate into the
quaintest, prettiest, most romantic town I ever saw. Nar
row streets with overhanging gables, distracting roofs,
windows, and porches, carved beams, and every sort of
richness. The strong old lady beat the man, and finally
landed us close by another old gate at a charming house
fronting the south, overlooking a lovely green valley, full
216 Louisa May Alcott.
of gardens, blooming plum and peach trees, windmills,
and a ruined castle, at sight of which we all skipped.
Madame Coste received us with rapture, for A. brought
a letter from Mrs. L., who stayed here and was the joy
of the old lady's soul. We were in great luck, for being
early in the season she had three rooms left, and we nabbed
them at once, — a salon with old oak walls and wardrobes,
blue damask furniture, a fireplace, funny windows, and
quaint furniture. A little room out of it for A., and upstairs
a larger room for May and me, with two beds draped in
green chintz, and carved big wardrobe, etc., and best of
all, a sunny window toward the valley. For these rooms
and our board we each pay $i a day, and I call that
cheap. It would be worth that to get the fun and air
alone, for it is like June, and we sit about with open
windows, flowers in the fields, birds singing, and every
thing spring-like.
We took possession at once, and dressed for a dinner
at six. We were then presented to our fellow-boarders, —
Madame Forney, a buxom widow, her son Gaston, a hand
some Frenchy youth of twenty-three, and her daughter, a
homely girl of twenty, who is to be married here on the
3d of May. After a great bowing and scraping we had
a funny fish dinner, it being Good Friday. When they
found we did n't speak French they were " desolated,"
and begged us to learn at once, which we solemnly vowed
to do. Gaston " knew English," so May at once began to
teach him more, and the ice being broken we got gay and
friendly at once. I could understand them pretty well,
but can't talk, and A. told them that I was forbidden to
say much on account of my throat. This will give me a
chance to get a fair start. May pegs away at her gram
mar, and with that and the elegant Gaston, she will soon
begin to " parlez-vous."
Europe. 2 1 7
After dinner we were borne to the great salon, where a
fire, lights, and a piano appeared. Every one sat round
and gabbled except the Alcotts, who looked and laughed.
Mademoiselle Forney played, and then May convulsed
them by singing some Chants Ameriques, which they
thought very lively and droll. They were all attention
and devotion to Madame Coste, — a tall old lady with
whiskers, who kept embracing A. and beaming at us in
her great content at being friends of chere Madame L.
A. told them that I was a celebrated authoress, and May
a very fine artist, and we were beamed at more than ever.
Being tired, we turned in early, after a jolly time in oui
own little salon, eating chocolate and laying plans.
DINAN, April 20, 1870.
... A. and I went shopping. A. got a little bird to
enliven our parlor, a sort of sparrow, gray with a red head
and a lively song. We named him Bernard du Guesclin
(the hero of the town) , and call him Bernie. I got some
nice gloves for three francs (sixty cents), and a white sun-
umbrella for May (forty cents). She needs it when she
sketches, and there is always a crowd of children round
her to watch and admire ; she gives one of them a sou to
hold the umbrella, and so gets on nicely.
In the P. M. A. and I went to the little village of Lahou,
in the valley where the ruined castle is, to a fair. It was
a very picturesque sight, for the white-capped women,
sitting about on the green hillside, looked like flowers,
and the blue blouses of the men and wide-brimmed hats
added to the effect. The little street was lined with
booths, where they sold nuts, queer cakes, hot sausages,
and pancakes, toys, etc. I got a funny cake, just the
size and shape of a deep pie-dish, and a jack-knife, for a
sou. We also indulged in nuts, and sat on our camp-
218 Louisa May Alcott.
stools in a shady place and ate them boldly in the public
mart, while enjoying the lively scene. French and Eng
lish people went by in droll parties, and we coolly sat and
stared at them. May is going to sketch the castle, so I
won't waste paper describing the pretty place with the
ruined church full of rooks, the old mill with the water-
wheel housed in vines, or the winding river, and meadows
full of blue hyacinths and rosy daisies.
Yesterday, A. and I had to return the call of Made
moiselle M., and as she speaks English I got on very
well. The* stairs to her apartment were so steep that we
held on by a velvet-covered rope as we climbed up. In
the P. M. we had fun, for we took two donkey carriages
and rode to the mineral spring. Gaston was sick and
could n't go, as we had planned, so May drove herself in
one, and A. and I in the other. I wish the boys could
have seen us, it was so funny. The carriages were bath-
chairs with a wee donkey harnessed to each, so small, so
neat, and looking so venerable with thin long ears and
bits of feet that I felt as if I was driving my grandmother.
May was a very imposing sight, alone in her chair under
her new umbrella, in her gray suit, with bright gloves and
a big whip, driving a gray rat who would n't trot un
less pounded and banged and howled at in the maddest
way. Our steed was bigger, but the most pig-headed old
scamp you ever saw, for it took two big women to make
him go. I drove, and A. thrashed away with all her
might, — our joint efforts only producing occasional short
trots which enraged us dreadfully.
We laughed till we were sick, it was so very absurd ;
while May trundled serenely along, enjoying the fine views
regardless of her rat, who paced along at his ease, wagging
his ears and meditating.
We had a nice trip, but did n't drink the water, as iron
Europe. 2 \ 9
don't suit us. Coming home, we passed the home of the
donkeys, and they at once turned in, and were with much
difficulty persuaded to go on by two short girls in caps
and short gowns, who ran and shouted " E ! E ! va oui ! "
and punched sticks into the poor asses, rattling us over
the stones till our eyes danced in our heads. We found
it rather hard work, and A. means to buy a horse and
straw pony-chaise, so we can drive ourselves in peace
where we like. . . .
A. is bargaining for a horse which an Englishman wishes
to sell for $50, including harness and cart. We can't hire
horses for less than $2 a drive, and donkeys are vile, so
it is cheaper to buy, and sell when we go away, and so
drive as much as we like. A. knows about such things,
and takes all the responsibility. . . . To-morrow we go on a
little excursion in the steamboat down the river, and return
d la donkey with the English ladies, who have returned
our call and are very friendly.
Please forward this little note in an envelope to its ad
dress. The child wrote me a pretty letter, which N. sent,
and the pa said I would n't answer. The child said, " I
know she will, she is so nice." So I do. Best love to
every one. Don't go home too soon. I shall write to
Fred and Jack next time. Good-by.
Lu.
To M. S.
. . . They call each other pet names that convulse us, —
"my little pig," "my sweet hen," "my cabbage," and
" my tom-cat." A French lady with her son and daugh
ter board here, and their ways amuse us mightily. The
girl is to be married next week to a man whom she has
seen twice, and never talked to but an hour in her life.
She writes to him what her mother dictates, and says she
should be ashamed to love him before they were married.
22O Louisa May Alcott.
Her wedding clothes absorb her entire mind, and her
Jules will get a pretty doll when he takes Mademoiselle
A. F. to wife. Gaston, the son, puts on blase airs,
though only twenty-two, and languishes at May, for
they can't talk, as he does not know English nor she
French.
April 27.
I left my letter to drive to a ruined chateau, which we
went all over, as a part is inhabited by a farmer who keeps
his hog in the great banqueting hall, his grain in the chapel,
and his hens in the lady's chamber. It was very pictu
resque ; the old rooms, with ivy coming in at the windows,
choking up the well, and climbing up the broken towers.
The lady of the chateau was starved to death by her cruel
brothers, and buried in the moat, where her bones were
found long afterward, and her ghost still haunts the place
they say. Here we had cider, tell Pa.
Coming home we saw a Dolmen, one of the Druidical
remains. It stood in a grove of old pines, — a great post of
gray stone, some twenty-five feet high, and very big round.
It leaned as if falling, and had queer holes in it. Brit
tany is full of these relics, which no one can explain, and
1 was glad to see the mysterious things.
Yesterday we took a little trip down the river in a tiny
steamer, going through a lock and skimming along be
tween the green banks of the narrow river to Miss M.'s
country-house, where we had new milk, and lay on the
grass for an hour or so. Then May and Miss M. walked
home, and A. and I went in a donkey cart.
To-day the girls have gone to La Garaye with Gaston
on donkeys. The weather has been cold for a day or
two with easterly winds. So I feel it at once and keep
warm. It is very unusual at this time, but comes, I sup
pose, because I Ve travelled hundreds of miles to get rid
Europe. 221
of them. It won't last long, and then we shall be hot
enough.
We lead such quiet, lazy lives I really have nothing
to tell.
Oh, yes, the fiance of Mademoiselle has arrived, and
amuses us very much. He is a tiny man in uniform, with
a red face, big moustache, and blue eyes. He thinks he
talks English, and makes such very funny mistakes. He
asked us if we had been to " promenade on monkeys "
meaning donkeys, and called the Casino " the establish
ment of dance." He addresses all his attentions to the
ma, and only bows to his future wife, who admires her
diamonds and is contented. We are going away on the
day of the wedding, as it is private.
The girls have jus't returned in great spirits, for A.'s
donkey kept lying down, and it took all three to get him
up again. They sat in a sort of chair, and looked very
funny with the four little legs under them and long ears
flopping before. I shall go to Garaye some fine day, and
will tell you about it.
Adieu, love to all. Yours, Lu.
DINAN, May 6, 1870.
DEAR PEOPLE, — I have just got a fat letter full of
notices from N., — all good, and news generally pleasant.
The great event of the season is over, and Miss F. is
Mrs. C. It was a funny scene, for they had a breakfast
the day before, then on Tuesday the wedding. We did
not go, as the church is like a tomb, but we saw the
bride, in white satin, pearls, orange flowers, and lace,
very pretty, and like other brides. Her ma, in purple
moire and black lace, was fine to see ; and the little
groom, in full regimentals, with a sabre as large as him
self, was very funny. A lot of people came in carriages
222 Louisa May Alcott.
to escort them to church ; and our little square was full
of queer turnouts, smartly dressed people, and a great
bustle. There was some mistake about the bride's car
riage, and it did not drive up in time, so she stood on
the steps till it came as near as it could, and then she
trotted out to it on Gaston's arm, with her maid holding
up her satin train. Uncle, ma, bride, and brother drove
off, but the groom's carriage was delayed by the breaking
of a trace, and there he sat, with his fat pa and ma, after
every one had gone, fuming, and poking his little cocked
hat out of the window, while the man mended the har
ness, and every one looked on with breathless interest.
We went to D with Coste in the p. M., and had a
fine view of the sea and San Malo. We didn't like
D , and won't go there. When we got home about
eight o'clock the wedding dinner was in full blast, and 1
caught a glimpse of a happy pair at the head of the
table, surrounded by a lot of rigged- up ladies and fine
men, all gabbing and gabbling as only French folk can.
The couple are still here, resting and getting acquainted
before they go to Lamballe for a week of festivity. A
church wedding is a very funny thing, and I wish you
could have seen it.
The dry season continues, and the people have pro
cessions and masses to pray for rain. One short flurry
of hail is all we have had, and the cold winds still blow.
When our month is out we shall go somewhere near the
sea if it is at all warm. Nothing could be kinder than
dear old Coste, and I could n't be in a better place to be
poorly in than this ; she coddles me like a mother, and
is so grieved that I don't get better.
Send Ma a bit of the gorse flower with which the fields
are now yellow.
Yours, Lu.
Europe. 223
DINAN, May 13, 1870.
DEAREST FOLKS, — We drove to Guildo yesterday to
bee if we should like it for July. It is a queer little town
on the seashore, with ruins near by, bright houses, and
lots of boats. Rooms a franc a day, and food very
cheap. The man of the house — a big, brown, Peggotty
sailor — has a sloop, and promised the girls as much
sailing as they liked. We may go, but our plans are
very vague, and one day we say we will go to one place
and the next to another, and shall probably end by stay
ing where we are.
Yours, Lu.
DINAN, May 17, 1870.
DEAREST PEOPLE, — We run out and do errands in the
cool before breakfast at ten, then we write, sew, and
read, and look round, till four, when we go to drive.
May and I in the cherry bounce with M. Harmon to
drive us, and A. on horseback ; for, after endless fuss, she
has at last evoked a horse out of chaos, and comes gal
loping gayly after us as we drive about the lovely roads
with the gallant hotel-keeper, Adolph Harmon. We are
getting satiated with ruins and chateaux, and plan a trip
by water to Nantes ; for the way they do it is to hire a
big boat and be towed by a horse in the most luxurious
manner.
To Anna.
DINAN, May 25, 1870.
DEAR BETSEY/ — All well. We have also had fun
about the queer food, as we don't like brains, liver, etc.
A. does ; and when we eat some mess, not knowing what
1 Betsey Prig was a pet name for her sister, as she herself was
Sairey Gamp.
224 Louisa May Alcott.
it is, and find it is sheep's tails or eels, she exults over
us, and writes poems.
I wander dreadfully, but the girls are racketing, birdie
singing like mad, and nine horses neighing to one an
other in the place, so my ideas do not flow as clearly
as they should. Besides, I expect Gaston to come in
every minute to show us his rig ; for he is going to a
picnic in Breton costume, — a very French affair, for
the party are to march two and two, with fiddlers in
front, and donkeys bearing the feast in the rear. Such
larks !
Yesterday we had a funny time. We went to drive in
a basket chair, very fine, with a perch behind and a
smart harness ; but most of the horses here are stallions,
and act like time. Qurs went very well at first, but in
the town took to cutting up, and suddenly pounced on
io a pile of brush, and stuck his head into a bake-shop.
We tried to get him out, but he only danced and neighed,
and all the horses in town seemed to reply. A man
came and led him on a bit, but he did n't mean to go,
and whisked over to the other side, where he tangled us
and himself up with a long string of team horses. I flew
out and May soon followed. A. was driving, and kept in
while the man led the "critter" back to the stable. I
declined my drive with the insane beast, and so we left
him and bundled home in the most ignominious manner.
All the animals are very queer here, and, unlike ours,
excessively big.
We went to a ruin one day, and were about to explore
the castle, when a sow, with her family of twelve, charged
through the gateway at us so fiercely that we fled in dis
may ; for pigs are not nice when they attack, as we don't
know where to bone 'em, and I saw a woman one day
whose nose had been bitten off by an angry pig. I
Europe. 225
flew over a hedge ; May tried to follow. I pulled her
over head first, and we tumbled into the tower like a
routed garrison. It wasn't a nice ruin, but we were
bound to see it, having suffered so much. And we did
see it, in spite of the pigs, who waylaid us on all sides,
and squealed in triumph when we left, — dirty, torn, and
tired. The ugly things wander at their own sweet will,
and are tall, round-backed, thin wretches, who run like
race horses, and are no respecters of persons.
Sunday was a great day here, for the children were
confirmed. It was a pretty sight to see the long pro
cession of little girls, in white gowns and veils, winding
through the flowery garden and the antique square, into
the old church, with their happy mothers following, and
the boys in their church robes singing as they went. The
old priest was too ill to perform the service, but the
young one who did announced afterward that if the chil
dren would pass the house the old man would bless
them from his bed. So all marched away down the
street, with crosses and candles, and it was very touching
to see the feeble old man stretch out his hands above
them as the little white birds passed by with bended
heads, while the fresh, boyish voices chanted the re
sponses. This old priest is a very interesting man, for
he is a regular saint, • helping every one, keeping his
house as a refuge for poor and old priests, settling quarrels
among the people, and watching over the young people
as if they were his own. I shall put him in a story.
Voila ! Gaston has just come in, rigged in a white
embroidered jacket, with the Dinan coat-of-arms worked
in scarlet and yellow silk on it fore and aft ; a funny hat,
with streamers, and a belt, with a knife, horn, etc. He
is handsome, and as fond of finery as a girl. I '11 send
you his picture next time, and one of Dinan.
226 Lotiisa May Alcott.
You will see that Marmee has all she needs, and a
girl, and as much money as she wants for being cosey and
comfortable. S. E. S. will let her have all she wants, and
make her take it. I 'm sorry the chapel $100 did n't come,
for she likes to feel that she has some of her very own.
I have written to Conway and Mrs. Taylor, so that if
we decide to take a run to England before we go to
Italy, the way will be open. . . .
But Dinan is so healthy and cosey, that we shall linger
till the heat makes us long for the sea. Roses, cherries,
strawberries, and early vegetables are come, and we are
in clover. Dear old Coste broods over us like a motherly
hen, ind just now desired me to give her affectionate
and respectful compliments to my bonne mere.
Now I 'm spun out ; so adieu, my darling Nan.
Write often, and I will keep sending, — trusting that
you will get them in time.
Kisses all round.
Yours, Lu.
DINAN, May 30, 1870.
DEAR FOLKS, — May has made up such a big letter
that I will only add a line to give you the last news of
the health of her Highness Princess Louisa. She is such
a public character nowadays that even her bones are not
her own, and her wails of woe cannot be kept from the
long ears of the world, — old donkey as it is !
Dr. Kane, who was army surgeon in India, and doctor
in England for forty years, says my leg trouble and many
of my other woes come from the calomel they gave me
in Washington. He has been through the same thing
with an Indian jungle fever, and has never got the
calomel out of him. ... 1 don't know anything about
it, only my leg is the curse of my life. But I think
Europe. 227
Dr. K.'s iodine of potash will cure it in the end, as it did
his arms, after taking it for three months. It is simple,
pleasant, and seems to do something to the bones that gives
them ease ; so I shall sip away and give it a good trial.
We are now revelling in big strawberries, green peas,
early potatoes, and other nice things, on which we shall
grow fat as pigs.
We are beginning to think of a trip into Normandy,
where the H.'s are.
Love to all. By- by ! Your loving Lu.
No news except through N., who yesterday sent me a
nice letter with July account of $6,212, — a neat little
sum for " the Alcotts, who can't make money!" With
$10,000 well invested, and more coming in all the time,
I think we may venture to enjoy ourselves, after the hard
times we have all had.
The cream of the joke is, that we made our own
money ourselves, and no one gave us a blessed penny.
That does soothe my rumpled soul so m.uch that the
glory is not worth thinking of.
To Anna.
DINAN, June 4, 1870.
The present excitement is the wood which Coste is
having put in. Loads keep coming in queer, heavy carts
drawn by four horses each, and two men to work the
machine. Two men chop the great oak stumps, and
a woman puts it in down cellar by the armful. The
men get two francs a day, — forty cents ! (Would n't
our $3 a day workmen howl at that sort of wages !)
When several carts arrive at once the place is a lively
scene. Just now there were three carts and twelve
horses, and eight were all up in a snarl, while half-a-
228 Louisa May Alcott.
dozen ladies stood at their doors and gave advice. One
had a half-dressed baby in her arms ; one a lettuce she
was washing; another her distaff; and a fourth her little
bowl of soup, which she ate at on the sidewalk, in the
intervals gesticulating so frantically that her sabots rat
tled on the stones. The horses had a free fight, and the
man could n't seem to manage one big one, who romped
about like a wild elephant, till the lady with the baby
suddenly set the half-naked cherub on the doorsteps,
charged in among the rampant beasts, and, by some
magic howl or jerk, brought the bad horse to order,
when she quietly returned to her baby, who had sat pla
cidly eating dirt, and with a calm Voila, messieurs,
she skipped little Jean into his shirt, and the men sat
down to smoke.
We are now in great excitement over Gaston, who has
lately become so very amiable that we don't know him.
We began by letting the spoiled child severely alone.
This treatment worked well, and now he offers us things
at table, bows when we enter, and to-day presented us
with green tulips, violet shrubs, and queer medals all
round. We have let little bits of news leak out about us,
and they think we are dukes and duchesses in Amer-
tque, and pronounce us tres spirituelles ; tres char-
mantes; tres seductives femmes. We laugh in pri
vate, and are used to having the entire company rise
when we enter, and embrace us with ardor, listen with
uplifted hands and shrieks of mon Dieu ! grand del!
etc., to all remarks, and point us out in public as les
dames Americaines. Such is fame !
An English lady arrived to-day — a Miss B. — dressed,
with English taste, in a little green skirt, pink calico waist,
a large crumpled frill, her hair in a tight knot, one front
tooth sticking straight out, and a golden oriole in a large
Europe. 229
cage. She is about forty, very meek and pursy, and the
old ladies have been sitting in a heap since breakfast,
talking like mad.
May has " sack " on the brain just now, and A. has
" hose " on the brain ; and at this moment they are both
gabbling wildly, one saying, " I shall trim it with blue
and have it pinked ! " the other shrieking, " My hose
must be red, with little dragons in black all over it, like
small-pox ! " and the bird flies to her upper perch in dis
may at the riot, while I sit and laugh, with an occasional
duennaish, "Young ladies, less noise if you please ! "
It rained last eve, and we are waiting for it to dry
before going out in the donkey chaise to buy a warm
bun and some strawberries for lunch, to be eaten as we
parade the town and drink ale at intervals.
Do tell me how things are about my pictures. I see
they are advertised, and if they sell I want my share
of the profits. Send me one of those that are in the
market, after taking off the heavy card.
Love to all, and the best of luck.
Ever your Lu.
HOTEL D'UNIVERSE, TOURS, June 17, 1870.
DEAREST PEOPLE, — Our wanderings have begun again,
and here we are in this fine old city in a cosey hotel, as
independent and happy as three old girls can be. We
left Dinan Wednesday at 7 A. M. Gaston got up to see us
off, — a most unusual and unexpected honor ; also Mrs. B.
and all the old ladies, whom we left dissolved in tears.
We had a lovely sail down the river to St. Malo,
where we breakfasted at Hotel Franklin, a quaint old
house in a flowery corner. At twelve we went by rail to
Le Mans, — a long trip, — and arrived at 6 P. M. so tired
230 Louisa May Alcott.
that we went to bed in the moonlight while a band
played in the square before the hotel, and the sidewalks
before the cafe were full of people taking ices and coffee
round little tables.
Next morning we went to see the famous cathedral
and had raptures, for it is like a dream in stone. Pure
Gothic of the twelfth century, with the tomb of Berenga-
ria, wife of Coeur de Leon, stained glass of the richest
kind, dim <)ld chapels with lamps burning, a gorgeous
high altar all crimson and gold and carmine, and several
organs. Anything more lovely and divine I never saw,
for the arches, so light and graceful, seemed to soar up
one above the other like the natural curves of trees or the
spray of a great fountain. We spent a long time here
and I sat above in the quaint old chapel with my eyes
and heart full, and prayed a little prayer for my family.
Old women and men knelt about in corners telling their
beads, and the priest was quietly saying his prayers at
the altar. Outside it was a pile of gray stone, with towers
and airy pinnacles full of carved saints and busy rooks.
I don't think we shall see anything finer anywhere. It
was very hot for there had been no rain for four months,
so we desired to start for town at 5 and get in about 8
as it is light then.
We had a pleasant trip in the cool of the day, and
found Tours a great city, like Paris on a small scale.
Our hotel is on the boulevard, and the trees, fountains,
and fine carriages make our windows very tempting. We
popped into bed early ; and my bones are so much better
that I slept without any opium or anything, — a feat I
have not performed for some time.
This morning we had coffee and rolls in bed, then as
it was a fine cool day we dressed up clean and nice and
went out for a walk. At the post-office we found your
Europe. 231
letters of May 3 1 , one from Nan and Ma, and one from
L. We were exalted, and went into the garden and
read them in bliss, with the grand cathedral right before
us. Cathedral St. Martin, twelfth century, with tomb of
Charles XIII. 's children, the armor of Saint Louis, fine
pictures of Saint Martin, his cloak, etc. May will tell you
about it and I shall put in a photograph, if I can find
one. We are now — 12 o'clock — in our pleasant room
all round the table writing letters and resting for another
trip by and by.
The Fete Dieu is on Monday, — very splendid, — and
we shall then see the cathe iral in its glory. To-day a few
hundred children were having their first communion
there, girls all in white, with scarlet boys, crosses, candles,
music, priests, etc. Get a Murray, and on the map of
France follow us to Geneva, via St. Malo, Le Mans,
Tours, Amboise and Blois, Orleans, Nevers, Autun.
We may go to the Vosges instead of the Jura if Mrs. H.
can go, as A. wants to see her again. But we head for
the Alps of some sort and will report progress as we go.
My money holds out well so far, as we go second class.
To her Father.
TOURS, June 20, 1870.
DEAR PAPA, — Before we go on to fresh " chateaux
and churches new," I must tell you about the sights here
in this pleasant, clean, handsome old city. May has
done the church for you, and I send a photograph to
give some idea of it. The inside is very beautiful ; and
we go at sunset to see the red light make the gray walls
lovely outside and the shadows steal from chapel to
chapel inside, filling the great church with what is really
" a dim religious gloom." We wandered about it the
232 Louisa May Alcott.
other evening till moonrise, and it was very interesting
to see the people scattered here and there at their
prayers ; some kneeling before Saint Martin's shrine, some
in a flowery little nook dedicated to the infant Christ,
and one, a dark corner with a single candle lighting up
a fine picture of the Mater Dolorosa, where a widow all
in her weeds sat alone, crying and praying. In another
a sick old man sat, while his old wife knelt by him pray
ing with all her might to Saint Gratien (the patron saint of
the church) for her dear old invalid. Nuns and priests
glided about, and it was all very poetical and fine, till I
came to an imposing priest in a first class chapel who was
taking snuff and gaping, instead of piously praying.
The Fete Dieu was yesterday, and I went out to see
the procession. The streets were hung with old tapestry,
and sheets covered with flowers. Crosses, crowns, and
bouquets were suspended from house to house, and as
the procession approached, women ran out and scattered
green boughs and rose-leaves before the train. A fine
band and a lot of red soldiers came first, then the differ
ent saints on banners, carried by girls, and followed by
long trains of girls bearing the different emblems. Saint
Agnes and her lamb was followed by a flock of pretty
young children all in white, carrying tall white lilies that
filled the air with their fragrance.
" Mary our Mother " was followed by orphans with
black ribbons crossed on their breasts. Saint Martin led
the charity boys in their gray suits, etc. The Host under
a golden canopy was borne by priests in gorgeous rig,
and every one knelt as it passed with censors swinging,
candles burning, boys chanting, and flowers dropping
from the windows. A pretty young lady ran out and set
her baby in a pile of green leaves in the middle of the
street before the Host, and it passed over the little thing
Europe. 233
who sat placidly staring at the show and admiring its
blue shoes. I suppose it is a saved and sacred baby
henceforth.
It was a fine pageant and quite touching, some of it ;
but as usual, I saw something funny to spoil the so
lemnity. A very fat and fine priest, who walked with
his eyes upon his book and sung like a pious bumble
bee, suddenly destroyed the effect by rapping a boy over
the head with his gold prayer-book, as the black sheep
strayed a little from the flock. I thought the old saint
swore also.
The procession went from the cathedral to Charle
magne's Tower, an old, old relic, all that is left of the
famous church which once covered a great square. We
went to see it, and the stones looked as if they were
able to tell wonderful tales of the scenes they had
witnessed all these hundreds of years. I think the " Re
miniscences of a Rook " would be a good story, for
these old towers are full of them, and they are long-
lived birds.
AMBOISE, THE GOLDEN LION,
Tuesday, June 21, 1870.
Here we go again ! now in an utterly different scene
from Tours. We left at 5 P. M., and in half an hour
were here on the banks of the Loire in a queer little
inn where we are considered duchesses at least, owing to
our big trunks and A.'s good French. I am the Ma
dame, May Mam'selle, and A. the companion.
Last evening being lovely, we went after dinner up to
the castle where Charles VIII. was born in 1470. The
Arab chief, Abd-el-Kader, and family were kept prisoners
here, and in the old garden is a tomb with the crescent
over it where some of them were buried. May was told
about the terrace where the Huguenots hung thick and
234 Louisa May Alcott.
the court enjoyed the sight till the Loire, choked up with
dead bodies, forced them to leave. We saw the little
low door where Anne of Brittany's first husband Charles
VIII. " bumped his head " and killed himself, as he was
running through to play bowls with his wife.
It has been modernized and is now being restored as
in old times, so the interior was all in a toss. But we
went down the winding road inside the tower, up which
the knights and ladies used to ride. Father would
have enjoyed the pleached walks, for they are cut so
that looking down on them, it is like a green floor, and
looking up it is a thick green wall. There also Margaret
of Anjou and her son were reconciled to Warwick. Read
Murray, I beg, and see all about it. We sat in the twi
light on the terrace and saw what Fred would have liked,
a little naked boy ride into the river on one horse after
another, and swim them round in the deep water till
they were all clean and cool.
This morning at 7 o'clock we drove to Chenonceaux,
the chateau given by Henry II. to Diane de Poictiers.
It was a lovely day, and we went rolling along through the
most fruitful country I ever saw. Acre on acre of yellow
grain, vineyards miles long, gardens and orchards full of
roses and cherries. The Cher is a fine river winding
through the meadows, where haymakers were at work
and fat cattle feeding. It was a very happy hour, and
the best thing I saw was May's rapturous face opposite, as
she sat silently enjoying everything, too happy to talk.
The chateau built over the water is very interesting ;
Catherine de Medicis took it away from Diane when the
king died, and her room is still seen as she left it ; also
a picture of Diane, a tall simpering woman in a tunic,
with hounds, stag, cupids, and other rubbish round her.
The gallery of pictures was fine ; for here were old, old
Europe. 235
portraits and bas-reliefs, Agnes Sorel, Montaigne, Rabel
ais, many kings and queens, and among them Lafay
ette and dear old Ben Franklin.
There is a little theatre where Rousseau's plays were
acted. This place at the time of the Revolution be
longed to the grandmother of George Sand, and she was
so much respected that no harm was done to it. So
three cheers for Madame Dupin ! Among the pictures were
Ninon D'Enclos, and Madame Sevigne" holding a picture
of her beloved daughter. The Guides, etc. I don't care
for so much as they were all grimy and convulsive, and
I prefer pictures of people who really lived, to these
impossible Venuses and repulsive saints, — bad taste, but
I can't help it. The walls were hung with stamped
leather and tapestry, carved chairs in which queens had
sat, tables at which kings had eaten, books they had
read, and glasses that had reflected their faces were all
about, and I just revelled. The old kitchen had a fire
place quaint enough to suit Pa, with immense turn-spits,
cranes, andirons, etc. The chapel, balcony, avenue,
draw-bridge, and all the other pleasing bits were enjoyed,
and I stole a sprig of jasmine from the terrace which I
shall press for Mamma. Pray take extra care of the
photographs, for if lost, we cannot replace them, and I
want to make a fine album of pictures with flowers and
descriptions after I get home. . . . But all goes well and
we enjoy much every day. Love to all, Lu.
To her Mother.
BLOIS, June 24, 1870.
DEAR MARMEE, — On this, Lizzie's and Johnny's birth
day, 1 11 begin a letter to you. We found at the Poste
Restante here two " Moods " and a paper for me, one
236 Louisa May Alcott.
book from L., and one from N. I think the pictures
horrid, and sent them floating down the Loire as soon as
possible, and put one book at the bottom of my trunk
and left the other where no one will find it. I could n't
read the story, and try to forget that I ever wrote it.
Blois is a noisy, dusty, soldierly city with nothing to
admire but the river, nearly dry now with this four
months' drought, and the old castle where Francis I.,
Louis XII., Catherine de Medicis, and other great folks
lived. It has been very splendidly restored by the Gov
ernment, and the ceilings are made with beams blazoned
with coats-of-arms, the walls hung with cameos, painted
with the same design as the stamped leather in old
times, and the floors inlaid with colored tiles. Brown
and gold, scarlet, blue, and silver, quaint dragons and
flowers, porcupines and salamanders, crowns and letters,
glittered everywhere. We saw the guard-room and the
very chimney where the Due de Guise was leaning when
the king Henry III. sent for him ; the little door where
the king's gentlemen fell upon and stabbed him with
forty wounds; the cabinet where the king and his
mother plotted the deed ; the chapel where the monks
prayed for success ; and the great hall where the body
lay covered with a cloak till the king came and looked
at it and kicked his dead enemy, saying, " I did not
think he was so tall." We also saw the cell where the
brother of the duke was murdered the next day, and the
attic entire where their bodies were burnt, after which
the ashes were thrown into the Loire by order of the
king ; the window out of which Marie de Medicis low
ered herself when her son Louis XIII. imprisoned her
there ; the recess where Catherine de Medicis died ; and
many other interesting places. What a set of rascals
these old kings and queens were !
Europe. 237
The Salle des Etats was very gorgeous, and here in a
week or so are to be tried the men who lately fired at
the Emperor. It will be a grand, a fine sight when the
great arched hall is full. I got a picture of the castle, and
one of a fireplace for Pa. It is a mass of gold and color,
with the porcupine of Louis XIII. and the ermine of his
wife Anne of Brittany, their arms, in medallion over it.
At 5 P. M. we go on to Orleans for a day, where I shall
get some relics of Joan of Arc for Nan. We shall pass
Sunday at Bourges where the great church is, and then
either to Geneva or the Jura, for a few weeks of rest.
GENEVA, June 29, 1870.
It seems almost like getting home again to be here
where I never thought to come again when I went away
five years ago. We are at the Metropole Hotel right on
the lake with a glimpse of Mount Blanc from our win
dows. It is rather fine after the grimy little inns of
Brittany, and we enjoy a sip of luxury and put on our
best gowns with feminine satisfaction after living in old
travelling suits for a fortnight.
I began my letter at Blois, where we spent a day or
two. At Orleans we only passed a night, but we had
time to see the famous statue of the Maid, put up in grati
tude by the people of the city she saved. It is a fine
statue of Joan in her armor on horseback, with her sword
drawn. Round the base of the statue are bronzed bas-
reliefs of her life from the girl with her sheep, to the
martyr at the stake. They were very fine, but don't show
much in the photograph which I got for Nan, remember
ing the time when she translated Schiller's play for me.
At Bourges we saw the great cathedral, but did n't
like it as well as that in Tours. We only spent a night
there, and A. bought an antique ring of the time of
238 Louisa May Alcott.
Francis I., — an emerald set in diamonds. It cost $9,
and is very quaint and handsome.
Moulins we reached Sunday noon, and at 3 o'clock
went to vespers in the old church, where we saw a good
deal of mumbo-jumbo by red, purple, and yellow priests,
and heard a boy with a lovely voice sing in the hidden
choir like a little angel among the clouds. A. had a
fancy to stay a week, if we could find rooms out of town
in some farm-house ; for the handsome white cattle have
captivated her, and we were rather tired. So the old
lady at the hotel said she had a little farm-house out
in the fields, and we should go see it with her in bas
ket chay. After dinner we all piled in and went along
a dusty road to a little dirty garden-house with two rooms
and a few cabbages and rose-bushes round it. She said
we could sleep and eat at the hotel and come down
here for the day. That did n't suit at all, so we declined ;
and on Monday morning we set out for Lyons. It was a
very interesting trip under, over, and through the moun
tains with two engines and much tunnelling and up-and-
down grading. May was greatly excited at the queer
things we did, and never knew that cars could turn such
sharp corners. We wound about so that we could see the
engine whisking out of sight round one corner while we
were turning another, and the long train looked like a
snake winding through the hills. The tunnels were so
long that lamps were lighted, and so cold we put on our
sacks while passing in the darkness. The scenery was
very fine ; and after we left Lyons, where we merely slept,
the Alps began to appear, and May and I stared in bliss
ful silence ; for we had two tall old men opposite, and a
little priest, so young that we called him the Rev. boy.
He slept and said his prayers most of the time, stealing
sly looks at May's hair, A.'s pretty hands, and my buckled
Europe. 239
shoes, which were like his own and seemed to strike him
as a liberty on my part. The old boys were very jolly,
especially the one with three chins, who smiled pater
nally upon us and tried to talk. But we were very Eng
lish and mum, and he thought we didn't understand
French, and confided to his friend that he did n't see
" how the English could travel and know not the French
tongue." They sang, gabbled, slept, and slapped one
another at intervals, and were very amusing till they left,
and another very handsome Booth-like priest took their
places.
To her Father.
BEX, July 14, 1870.
DEAR PA, — As I have not written to you yet, I will
send you a picture-letter and tell you about the very in
teresting old Count Sz — who is here. This morning he
asked us to go to the hills and see some curious trees
which he says were planted from acorns and nuts brought
from Mexico by Atala. We found some very ancient
oaks and chestnuts, and the enthusiastic old man told us
the story about the Druids who once had a church, am
phitheatre, and sacrifical altar up there. No one knows
much about it, and he imagines a good deal to suit his own
pet theory. You would have liked to hear him hold forth
about the races and Zoroaster, Plato, etc. He is a Hun
garian of a very old family, descended from Semiramide
and Zenobia. He believes that the body can be cured
often by influencing the soul, and that doctors should be
priests, and priests doctors, as the two affect the body
and soul which depend on one another. He is doing
a great deal for Miss W., who has tried many doctors
and got no help. I never saw such a kindly, simple, en
thusiastic, old soul, for at sixty-seven he is as full of hope
and faith and good-will as a young man. I told him I
240 Louisa May Alcott.
should like my father to see a little book he has written,
and he is going to give me one.
We like this quiet little place among the mountains,
and pass lazy days ; for it is very warm, and we sit about on
our balconies enjoying the soft air, the moonlight, and the
changing aspect of the hills.
May had a fine exciting time going up St. Bernard,
and is now ready for another. . . .
The Polish Countess and her daughter have been read
ing my books and are charmed with them. Madame
says she is not obliged to turn down any pages so that
the girls may not read them, as she does in many books,
" All is so true, so sweet, so pious, she may read every
word."
I send by this mail the count's little pamphlet. I
don't know as it amounts to much, but I thought you
might like to see it.
Love to every one, and write often to your
Affectionate daughter L. M. A.
BEX, July 18, 1870.
DEAR PEOPLE, — The breaking out of this silly little
war between France and Prussia will play the deuce with
our letters. I have had none from you for a long time ;
and Alexandre, the English waiter here, says that the mails
will be left to come as they can, for the railroads are all
devoted to carrying troops to the seat of war. The
French have already crossed the Rhine, and rumors of a
battle came last eve ; but the papers have not arrived, and
no letters for any one, so all are fuming for news, public
and private, and I am howling for my home letter, which
is more important than all the papers on the continent
Don't be worried if you don't hear regularly, or think
us in danger. Switzerland is out of the mess, and if she
Europe. 241
gets in, we can skip over into Italy, and be as cosey as
possible. It will make some difference in money, per
haps, as Munroe in Paris is our banker, and we shall be
plagued about our letters, otherwise the war won't effect
us a bit ; I dare say you know as much about it as we do,
and Marmee is predicting "a civil war" all over the
world. We hear accounts of the frightful heat with you.
Don't wilt away before we come. . . .
Lady Amberley is a trump, and I am glad she says a
word for her poor sex though she is a peeress. . . .
I should like to have said of me what Hedge says of
Dickens ; and when I die, I should prefer such a mem
ory rather than a tomb in Westminster Abbey.
I hope to have a good letter from Nan soon. May
does the descriptions so well that I don't try it, being
lazy. Lu.
To Anna.
SUNDAY, July 24, 1870.
. . . The war along the Rhine is sending troops of
travellers to Switzerland for refuge ; and all the large
towns are brimful of people flying from Germany. It
won't trouble us, for we have done France and don't
mean to do Germany. So when August is over, we shall
trot forward to Italy, and find a warm place for our win
ter-quarters. At any time twenty-four hours carries us
over the Simplon, so we sit at ease and don't care a
straw for old France and Prussia/ Russia, it is reported,
has joined in the fight, but Italy and England are not
going to meddle, so we can fly to either " in case of
fire."1
1 This was a family joke as Mrs. Alcott always ended her in
structions to her children " in case of fire."
16
242 Louisa May Alcott.
BEX, July 27, 1870.
We heard of Dickens's d«ath some weeks ago and have
been reading notices, etc., in all the papers since. One
by G. Greenwood in the Tribune was very nice. I shall
miss my old Charlie, but he is not the old idol he once
was. . . .
Did you know that Higginson and a little girl friend
had written out the Operatic Tragedy in " Little Women "
and set the songs to music and it was all to be put in
" Our Young Folks." What are we coming to in our old
age? Also I hope to see the next designs N. has got for
" Little Women." I know nothing about them.
To her Mother.
3 P.M., BEX, July 31, 1870.
Papers are suppressed by the Government so we know
nothing about the war, except the rumors that float about.
But people seem to think that Europe is in for a general
fight, and there is no guessing when it will end.
The trouble about getting into Italy is, that civil war
always breaks out there and things are so mixed up that
strangers get into scrapes among the different squabblers.
When the P.'s were abroad during the last Italian fuss, they
got shut up in some little city and would have been killed
by Austrians, who were rampaging round the place drunk
and mad, if a woman had not hid them in a closet for a
day and night, and smuggled them out at last, when they
ran for their lives. I don't mean to get into any mess,
and between Switzerland and England %we can manage
for a winter. London is so near home and so home-like
that we shall be quite handy and can run up to Boston
at any time. Perhaps Pa will step across to see us.
All these plans may be knocked in the head to
morrow and my next letter may be dated from the Pope's
Europe. 243
best parlor or Windsor Castle ; but I like to spin about on
ups and downs so you can have something to talk about
at Apple Slcmp. Uncertainty gives a relish to things, so
we chase about and have a dozen plans a day. It is an
Alcott failing you know. . . .
Love to all and bless you,
Ever yours, Lu.
BEX, Aug. 7, 1870.
DEAR MR. NILES, — I keep receiving requests from
editors to write for their papers and magazines. I am
truly grateful, but having come abroad for rest I am not
inclined to try the treadmill till my year's vacation is
over. So to appease these worthy gentlemen and excuse
my seeming idleness I send you a trifle in rhyme,1 which
you can (if you think it worth the trouble) set going as
a general answer to everybody ; for I can't pay postage
in replies to each separately, — " it 's very costly." Mr.
F. said he would pay me $10, $15, $20 for any little
things I would send him ; so perhaps you will let him
have it first.
The war makes the bankers take double toll on our
money, so we fee. very poor and as if we ought to be
earning, not spending ; only we are so lazy we can't bear
to think of it in earnest. . . .
We shall probably go to London next month if the
war forbid Italy for the winter ; and if we can't get one
dollar without paying five for it, we shall come home
disgusted.
Perhaps if I can do nothing else this year I could have
a book of shon stories, old and new, for Christmas. F.
and F. have some good ones, and I have the right to
use them. We could call them "Jo March's Necessity
1 This is the poem prefixed to the chapter.
244 Louisa May Alcott.
Stories." Would it go with new ones added and good
illustrations ?
I am rising from my ashes in a most phoenix- like
manner. L. M. A.
To her Mother.
VEVAY, PENSION PARADIS, Aug. n, 1870.
DEAR MARMEE, — ... This house is very cosey, and
the food excellent. I thought it would be when I heard
gentlemen liked it, — they always want good fodder.
There are only three now, — an old Spaniard and his son,
and a young Frenchman. We see them at meals, and
the girls play croquet with them. . . .
This is the gay season here, and in spite of the war
Vevay is full. The ex-Queen of Spain and her family
are here at the Grand Hotel ; also Don Carlos, the right
ful heir to the Spanish throne. Our landlady says that
her house used to be full of Spaniards, who every day
went in crowds to call on the two kings, Alphonse and
Carlos. We see brown men and women with black eyes
driving round in fine coaches, with servants in livery, who
I suppose are the Court people.
The papers tell us that the French have lost two big
battles ; the Prussians are in Strasbourg, and Paris in a
state of siege. The papers are also full of theatrical
messages from the French to the people, asking them to
come up and be slaughtered for la patrie, and sober,
cool reports from the Prussians. I side with the Prus
sians, for they sympathized with us in our war. Hooray
for old Pruss ! . . .
France is having a bad time. Princess Clotilde passed
through Geneva the other day with loads of baggage, flying
to Italy ; and last week a closed car with the imperial arms
on it went by here in the night, — supposed to be Matilcle
Europe. 245
and other royal folks flying away from Paris. The Prince
Imperial has been sent home from the seat of war ; and
poor Eugenie is doing her best to keep things quiet in
Paris. The French here say that a republic is already
talked of; and the Emperor is on his last legs in every
way. He is sick, and his doctor won't let him ride, and
so nervous he can't command the army as he wanted to.
Poor old man ! one can't help pitying him when all his
plans fail.
We still dawdle along, getting fat and hearty. The
food is excellent. A breakfast of coffee and tip-top
bread, fresh butter, with eggs or fried pocatoes, at 8 ; a real
French dinner at 1.30, of soup, fish, meat, game, salad,
sweet messes, and fruit, with wine ; and at 7 cold meat,
salad, sauce, tea, and bread and butter. It is grape time
now, and for a few cents we get pounds, on which we feast
all day at intervals. We walk and play n well as any
one, and feel so well I ought to do something. . . .
Fred and Jack would like to look out of my window
now and see the little boys playing in the lake. They
are there all day long like little pigs, r.nd lie around on
the warm stones to dry, splashing one another for exer
cise. One boy, having washed himself, is now washing
his clothes, and all lying out to dry together. . . .
Ever yours, Lu.
To Anna.
VEVAY, Aug. 21, 1870.
I had such a droll dream last night I must tell you. I
thought I was returning to Concord after my trip, and
was alone. As I walked from the station I missed Mr.
Moore's house, and turning the corner, found the scene
so changed that I did not know where I was. Our house
was gone, and in its place stood a great gray stone castle,
246 Louisa May Alcott.
with towers and arches and lawns and bridges, very fine
and antique. "Somehow I got into it without meeting
any one of you, and wandered about trying to find my
family. At last I came across Mr. Moore, papering a
room, and asked him where his house was. He did n't
know me, and said, —
" Oh ! I sold it to Mr. Alcott for his school, and we
live in Acton now."
" Where did Mr. Alcott get the means to build this
great concern?" I asked,
" Well, he gave his own land, and took the great pas
ture his daughter left Mm, — the one that died some ten
years ago."
"So I am dead, am I?" says I to myself, feeling so
queerly.
" Government helped build this place, and Mr. A. has a
fine college here," said Mr. Moore, papering away again.
I went on, wondering at the news, and looked into a
glass to see how I looked dead. I found myself a fat old
lady, with gray hair and specs, — very like E. P. P. I
laughed, and coming to a Gothic window, looked out and
saw hundreds of young men and boys in a queer flowing
dress, roaming about the parks and lawns ; and among
them was Pa, looking as he looked thirty years ago, with
brown hair and a big white neckcloth, as in the old times.
He looked so plump and placid and young and happy I
was charmed to see him, and nodded ; but he did n't
know me ; and I was so grieved and troubled at be
ing a Rip Van Winkle, I cried, and said I had better go
away and not disturb any one, — and in the midst of my
woe, I woke up. It was all so clear and funny, I can't
help thinking that it may be a foreshadowing of something
real. I used to dream of being famous, and it has partly
become true ; so why not Pa's college blossom, and he
Europe. 247
get young and happy with his disciples ? I only hope he
won't quite forget me when I come back, fat and gray
and old. Perhaps his dream is to come in another world,
where everything is fresh and calm, and the reason why
he did n't recognize me was because I was still in this
work-a-day world, and so felt old and strange in this
lovely castle in the air. Well, he is welcome to my for
tune ; but the daughter who did die ten years ago is more
likely to be the one who helped him build his School of
Concord up aloft.
I can see how the dream came ; for I had been looking
at Silling's boys in their fine garden, and wishing I could
go in and know the dear little lads walking about there,
in the forenoon. I had got a topknot at the barber's,
and talked about my gray hairs, and looking in the glass
thought how fat and old I was getting, and had shown
the B.'s Pa's picture, which they thought saintly, etc. I
believe in dreams, though I am free to confess that
" cowcumbers " for tea may have been the basis of this
" ally-gorry-cal wision." . . .
As we know the Consul at Spezzia, — that is, we have
letters to him, as well as to many folks in Rome, etc., —
I guess we shall go ; for the danger of Europe getting
into the fight is over now, and we can sail to England or
home any time from Italy. . . . Love to every one.
Kiss my cousin for me.
Ever your Lu.
To Mr. Niles.
AUGUST 23, 1870.
Your note of August 2 has just come, with a fine
budget of magazines and a paper, for all of which many
thanks.
248 Louisa May Alcott.
Don't give my address to any one. I don't want the
young ladies' notes. They can send them to Concord,
and I shall get them next year.
The boys at Silling's school are a perpetual source of
delight to me ; and I stand at the gate, like the Peri, long
ing to go in and play with the lads. The young ladies
who want to find live Lauries can be supplied here, for
Silling has a large assortment always on hand.
My B. says she is constantly trying to incite me to
literary effort, but I hang fire. So I do, — but only that
I may go off with a bang by and by, a la mitrailleuse.
L. M. A.
To her Family.
VEVAY, Aug. 29, 1870.
DEAR PEOPLE, — . . . M. Nicaud, the owner of this
house, — a funny old man, with a face so like a parrot
that we call him M. Perrot, — asked us to come and
visit him at his chalet up among the hills. He is
building a barn there, and stays to see that all goes
well; so we only see him on Sundays, when he con
vulses us by his funny ways. Last week seven of us
went up in a big landau, and the old dear entertained
us like a prince. We left the carriage at the foot of
a little steep path, and climbed up to the dearest old
chalet we ever saw. Here Pa Nicaud met us, took
us up the outside steps into his queer little salon, and
regaled us with his sixty-year old wine and nice little
cakes. We then set forth, in spite of clouds and wind,
to view the farm and wood. It showered at intervals,
but no one seemed to care ; so we trotted about under
umbrellas, getting mushrooms, flowers, and colds, viewing
the Tarpeian Rock, and sitting on rustic seats to enjoy
Ettrope. 249
the belle vue, which consisted of fog. It was such a droll
lark that we laughed and ran, and enjoyed the damp pic
nic very much. Then we had a tip-top Swiss dinner, fol
lowed by coffee, three sorts of wine, and cigars. Every
one smoked, and as it poured guns, the old Perrot had
a blazing fire made, round which we sat, talking many
languages, singing, and revelling. We had hardly got
through dinner and seen another foggy view when tea was
announced, and we stuffed again, having pitchers of cream,
fruit, and a queer but very nice dish of slices of light
bread dipped in egg and fried, and eaten with sugar.
The buxom Swiss maid flew and grinned, and kept serv
ing up some new mess from her tiny dark kitchen. It
cleared off, and we walked home in spite of our immense
exploits in the eating line. Old Perrot escorted us part
way down, and we gave three cheers for him as we
parted. Then we showed Madame and the French gov
erness and Don Juan (the Spanish boy) some tall walking,
though the roads were very steep and rough and muddy.
We tramped some five miles ; and our party (May, A.,
the governess, and I) got home long before Madame and
Don Juan, who took a short cut, and would n't believe
that we did n't get a lift somehow. I felt quite proud
of my old pins ; for they were not tired, and none the
worse for the long walk. I think they are really all right
now, for the late cold weather has not troubled them in
the least ; and I sleep — O ye gods, how I do sleep ! — ten
or twelve hours sound, and get up so drunk with dizziness
it is lovely to see. Aint I grateful ? Oh, yes ! oh, yes !
We began French lessons to-day, May and I, of the
French governess, — a kind old girl who only asks two
francs a lesson. We must speak the language, for it is
disgraceful to be so stupid ; so we have got to work, and
mean to be able to parlez-vous or die. The war is still
250 Louisa May Alcott.
a nuisance, and we may be here some time, and really
need some work ; for we are so lazy we shall be spoilt, if
we don't fall to. ...
I gave Count C. Pa's message, and he was pleased.
He reads no English, and is going to Hungary soon ; so
Pa had better not send the book. . . . Lu.
VEVAY, Sept. 10, 1870.
DEAR PEOPLE, — As all Europe seems to be going to
destruction, I hasten to drop a line before the grand
smash arrives. We mean to skip over the Alps next week,
if weather and war permit ; for we are bound to see
Milan and the lakes, even if we have to turn and come
back without a glimpse of Rome. The Pope is beginning
to perk up ; and Italy and England and Russia seem
ready to join in the war, now that France is down. Think
of Paris being bombarded and smashed up like Stras
bourg. We never shall see the grand old cathedral at
Strasbourg now, it is so spoilt.
Vevay is crammed with refugees from Paris and Stras
bourg. Ten families applied here yesterday. . . .
Our house is brimful, and we have funny times. The
sick Russian lady and her old Ma make a great fuss if a
breath of air comes in at meal times, and expect twenty
people to sit shut tight in a smallish room for an hour on
a hot day. We protested, and Madame put them in the
parlor, where they glower as we pass, and lock the door
when they can. The German Professor is learning Eng
lish, and is a quiet, pleasant man. The Polish General,
a little cracked, is very droll, and bursts out in the middle
of the general chat with stories about transparent apples
and golden horses. . . . Benda, the crack book-and-
picture man, has asked May if she was the Miss Alcott
who wrote the popular books ; for he said he had many calls
Europe. 251
for them, and wished to know where they could be found.
We told him "at London," and felt puffed up. . . .
May and I delve away at French ; but it makes my
head ache, and I don't learn enough to pay for the
trouble. I never could study, you know, and suffer such
agony when I try that it is piteous to behold. The
little brains I have left I want to keep for future works,
and not exhaust them on grammar, — vile invention
of Satan ! May gets on slowly, and don't have fits after
it ; so she had better go on (the lessons only cost two
francs). ... L. M. A.
To her Mother.
LAGO DI COMO, Oct. 8, 1870.
DEAREST MARMEE, — A happy birthday, and many of
'em ! Here we actually are in the long-desired Italy, and
find it as lovely as we hoped. Our journey was a perfect
success, — sunlight, moonlight, magnificent scenery, pleas
ant company, no mishaps, and one long series of beautiful
pictures all the way.
Crossing the Simplon is an experience worth having ;
for without any real danger, fatigue, or hardship, one
sees some of the finest as well as most awful parts of these
wonderful Alps.
The road, — a miracle in itself ! for all Nature seems
to protest against it, and the elements never tire of trying
to destroy it. Only a Napoleon would have dreamed of
making a path through such a place ; and he only cared
for it as a way to get his men and cannon into an enemy's
country by this truly royal road.
May has told you about our trip ; so I will only add a
few bits that she forgot.
Our start in the dawn from Brieg, with two diligences,
a carriage, and a cart, was something between a funeral
252 Louisa May Alcott.
and a caravan : first an immense diligence with seven
horses, then a smaller one with four, then oui calcche
with two, and finally the carrier's cart with one. It was
very exciting, — the general gathering of sleepy travellers
in the dark square, the tramping of horses, the packing
in, the grand stir of getting off; then the slow winding
up, up, up out of the valley toward the sun, which carne
slowly over the great hills, rising as we never saw it rise
before. The still, damp pine-forests kept us in shadow
a long time after the white mountain-tops began to shine.
Little by little we wound through a great gorge, and then
the sun came dazzling between these grand hills, showing
us a new world. Peak after peak of the Bernese Ober-
land rose behind us, and great white glaciers lay before
us ; while the road crept like a narrow line, in and out
over chasms that made us dizzy to look at, under tunnels,
and through stone galleries with windows over which
dashed waterfalls from the glaciers above. Here and
there were refuges, a hospice, and a few chalets, where
shepherds live their wild, lonely lives. In the p. M.
we drove rapidly down toward Italy through the great
Valley of Gondo, — a deep rift in rock thousands of feet
deep, and just wide enough for the road and a wild stream
that was our guide ; a never-to-be-forgotten place, and a
fit gateway to Italy, which soon lay smiling below us.
The change is very striking ; and when we came to Lago
Maggiore lying in the moonlight we could only sigh for
happiness, and love and look and look. After a good
night's rest at Stresa, we went in a charming gondola-sort
of boat to see Isola Bella, — the island you see in the
chromo over the fireplace at home, — a lovely island,
with famous castle, garden, and town on it. The day was
as balmy as summer, and we felt like butterflies after a
frost, and fluttered about, enjoying the sunshine all day.
Europe. 253
A sail by steamer brought us to Luino, where we went
on the diligence to Lugano. Moonlight all the way, and
a gay driver, who wound his horn as we clattered into
market-places and over bridges in the most gallant style.
The girls were on top, and in a state of rapture all the
way. After supper in a vaulted, frescoed hall, with marble
floors, pillars, and galleries, we went to a room which had
green doors, red carpet, blue walls, and yellow bed-covers,
— all so gay ! It was like sleeping LA rainbow.
As if a heavenly lake und^r our windows with moon
light ad libitum was n't enough, we had music next door ;
and on leaning out of a little back window, we made the
splendid discovery that we could look on to the stage
of the opera-house across a little alley. My Nan can
imagine with what rapture I stared at the scenes going
on below me, and how I longed for her as I stood there
wrapped in my yellow bed-quilt, and saw gallant knights
in armor warble sweetly to plump ladies in masks, or
pretty peasants fly wildly from ardent lovers in red tights ;
also a dishevelled maid who tore her hair in a forest,
while a man aloft made thunder and lightning, — and /
saw him do if !
It was the climax to a splendid day ; for few travellers
can go to the opera luxuriously in their night-gowns, and
take naps between the acts as I did.
A lovely sail next morning down the lake ; then a
carriage to Menaggio ; and then a droll boat, like a big
covered market-wagon with a table and red-cushioned
seats, took us and our trunks to Cadenabbia, for there is
only a donkey road to the little town. At the hotel on
the edge of the lake we found Nelly L., a sweet girl as
lovely as Minnie, and so glad to see us ; for since her
mother died in Venice last year she has lived alone with
her maid. She had waited for us, and next day went to
254 Louisa May Alcott.
Milan, where we join her on Monday. She paints ; and
May and she made plans at once to study together, and.
enjoy some of the free art-schools at Milan and Naples
or Florence, if we can all be together. It is a great
chance for May, and I mean she shall have a good time,
and not wait for tools and teachers ; for all is in the way
of her profession, and of use to her.
Cadenabbia is only two hotels and a few villas oppo
site Bellagio, which is a town, and fashionable. We
were rowed over to see it by our boatman, who spends
his time at the front of the stone steps before the hotel,
and whenever we go out he tells us, " The lake is tran
quil ; the hour is come for a walk on the water," and is
as coaxing as only" an Italian can be. He is amiably
tipsy most of the time.
To-day it rains so we cannot go out, and I rest and
write to my Marmee in a funny room with a stone floor
inlaid till it looks like castile soap, a ceiling in fat cupids
and trumpeting fairies, a window on the lake, with bal
cony, etc. Hand-organs with jolly singing boys jingle
all day, and two big bears go by led by a man with a
drum. The boys would laugh to see them dance on
their hind legs, and shoulder sticks like soldiers.
. . . All looks well, and if the winter goes on rapidly
and pleasantly as the summer we shall soon be thinking
of home, unless one of us decides to stay. I shall post
this at Milan to-morrow, and hope to find letters there
from you. By-by till then.
Journal.
October, 1870. — A memorable month. . . . Off for
Italy on the 2d. A splendid journey over the Alps and
Maggiore by moonlight.
Europe. 255
Heavenly days at the lakes, and so to Milan, Parma,
Pisa, Bologna, and Florence. Disappointed in some
things, but found Nature always lovely and wonderful ;
so did n't mind faded pictures, damp rooms, and the
cold winds of " sunny Italy." Bought furs at Florence,
and arrived in Rome one rainy night.
November loth. — In Rome, and felt as if I had been
there before and knew all about it. Always oppressed
with a sense of sin, dirt, and general decay of all things.
Not well; so saw things through blue glasses. May in
bliss with lessons, sketching, and her dreams. A. had
society, her house, and old friends. The artists were
the best company; counts and princes very dull, what
we saw of them. May and I went off on the Cam-
pagna, and criticised all the world like two audacious
Yankees.
Our apartment in Piazza Barbarini was warm and
cosey; and I thanked Heaven for it, as it rained for
two months, and my first view most of the time was the
poor Triton with an icicle on his nose.
We pay $60 a month for six good rooms, and $6 a
month for a girl, who cooks and takes care of us.
2^th. — My thirty-eighth birthday. May gave me a
pretty sketch, and A. a fine nosegay.
In Rome Miss Alcottwas shocked and grieved by
the news of the death of her well-beloved brother-
in-law, Mr. Pratt. She has drawn so beautiful a
picture of him in " Little Women " and in " Little
Men," that it is hardly needful to dwell upon his
character or the grief which his death caused her.
With her usual care for others, her thoughts at
once turned to the support of the surviving family,
and she found comfort in writing " Little Men "
256 Louisa May Alcott.
with the thought of the dear sister and nephews
constantly in her heart.
In spite of this great sorrow and anxiety for
the dear ones at home, the year of travel was very
refreshing to her. Her companions were con
genial, she took great delight in her sister's work,
and she was independent in her plans, and could
go whither and when she would.
The voyage home was a hard one ; there was small
pox on board, but Miss Alcott fortunately escaped
the infection. " Little Men " was out the day she
arrived, as a bright red placard in the carriage an
nounced, and besides all the loving welcomes from
family and friends, she received the pleasing news
that fifty thousand of the books were already sold.
But the old pains and weariness came home with
her also. She could not stay in Concord, and
went again to Boston, hoping to rest and work.
Her young sister came home to brighten up the
family with her hopeful, helpful spirit.
At forty years of age Louisa had accomplished
the task she set for herself in youth. By unceasing
toil she had made herself and her family indepen
dent; debts were all paid, and enough was in
vested to preserve them from want. And yet
wants seemed to increase with their satisfaction,
and she felt impelled to work enough to give to
all the enjoyments and luxuries which were fitted
to them after the necessaries were provided for.
It may be that her own exhausted nervous con
dition made it impossible for her to rest, and the
demand which she fancied came from without was
the projection of her own thought.
Europe. 257
i
Journal.
1871. — Rome. — Great inundation. Streets flooded,
churches with four feet of water in them, and queer
times for those who were in the overflowed quarters.
Meals hoisted up at the window ; people carried across
the river-like streets to make calls; and all manner of
funny doings. We were high and dry at Piazza Barbarini,
and enjoyed the flurry.
To the Capitol often, to spend the A. M. with the Roman
emperors and other great men. M. Aurelius as a boy
was fine ; Cicero looked very like W. Phillips ; Agrip-
pina in her chair was charming ; but the other ladies,
with hair a la sponge, were ugly ; Nero & Co. a set
of brutes and bad men. But a better sight to me was
the crowd of poor people going to get the bread and
money sent by the king ; and the splendid snow-covered
hills were finer than the marble beauty inside. Art tires ;
Nature never.
Professor Pierce and his party just from Sicily, where
they had been to see the eclipse, — all beaming with
delight, and well repaid for the long journey by a two
minutes' squint at the sun when darkest.
Began to write a new book, " Little Men," that John's
death may not leave A. and the dear little b'oys in want.
John took care that they should have enough while the
boys are young, and worked very hard to have a little
sum to leave, without a debt anywhere.
In writing and thinking of the little lads, to whom I
must be a father now, I found comfort for my sorrow.
May went on with her lessons, " learning," as she wisely
said, how little she knew and how to go on.
February. — A gay month in Rome, with the carnival,
artists' fancy ball, many parties, and much calling.
17
258 Louisa May Alcott.
Decided to leave May for another year, as L. sends
$700 on "Moods," and the new book will provide
$1,000 for the dear girl; so she may be happy and free
to follow her talent.
March. — Spent at Albano. A lovely place. Walk,
write, and rest. A troop of handsome officers from
Turin, who clatter by, casting soft glances at my two
blonde signorinas, who enjoy it very much.1 Baron and
Baroness Rothschild were there, and the W.'s from Phila
delphia, Dr. O. W. and wife, and S. B. Mrs. W. and
A. B. talk all day, May sketches, I write, and so we go
on. Went to look at rooms at the Bonapartes.
April. — Venice. Floated about for two weeks seeing
sights. A lovely city for a short visit. Not enough going
on to suit brisk Americans. May painted, A. hunted up
old jewelry and friends, and I dawdled after them.
A very interesting trip to London, — over the Bren
ner Pass to Munich, Cologne, Antwerp, and by boat to
London.
May. — A busy month. Settled in lodgings, Brompton
Road, and went sight-seeing. Mrs. P. Taylor, Conway,
and others very kind. Enjoyed showing May my favorite
places and people.
A. B. went home on the nth, after a pleasant year
with us. I am glad to know her, for she is true and very
interesting. May took lessons of Rowbotham and was
happy. " Little Men " came out in London.
I decided to go home on the 25th, as I am needed.
A very pleasant year in spite of constant pain, John's
death, and home anxieties. Very glad I came, for May's
sake. It has been a very useful year for her.
June. — After an anxious passage of twelve days, got
safely home. Small-pox on board, and my room-mate,
1 See Shawl Straps, p. 179.
Europe. 259
Miss D., very ill. I escaped, but had a sober time lying
next door to her, waiting to see if my turn was to
come. She was left at the island, and I went up the
harbor with Judge Russell, who took some of us off in
his tug.
Father and T. N. came to meet me with a great red
placard of " Little Men " pinned up in the carriage.
After due precautions, hurried home and found all well.
My room refurnished and much adorned by Father's
earnings.
Nan well and calm, but under her sweet serenity is a
very sad soul, and she mourns for her mate like a tender
turtle-dove.
The boys were tall, bright lads, devoted to Marmee,
and the life of the house.
Mother feeble and much aged by this year of trouble.
I shall never go far away from her again. Much com
pany, and loads of letters, all full of good wishes and
welcome.
" Little Men " was out the day I arrived. Fifty thou
sand sold before it was out.
A happy month, for I felt well for the first time in two
years. I knew it would n't last, but enjoyed it heartily
while it did, and was grateful for rest from pain and a
touch of the old cheerfulness. It was much needed at
home.
July, August, September. — Sick. Holiday soon over.
Too much company and care and change of climate
upset the poor nerves again. Dear Uncle S. J. May
died ; our best friend for years. Peace to his ashes.
He leaves a sweeter memory behind him than any man
I know. Poor Marmee is the last of her family now.
October. — Decided to go to B. ; Concord is so hard
for me, with its dampness and worry. Get two girls to
260 Louisa May Alcott.
do the work, and leave plenty of money and go to
Beacon Street to rest and try to get well that I may
work. A lazy life, but it seemed to suit ; and anything
is better than the invalidism I hate worse than death.
Bones ached less, and I gave up morphine, as sun
shine, air, and quiet made sleep possible without it. Saw
people, pictures, plays, and read all I could, but did not
enjoy much, for the dreadful weariness of nerves makes
even pleasure hard.
November. — May sent pleasant letters and some fine
copies of Turner. She decides to come home, as she
feels she is needed as I give out. Marmee is feeble,
Nan has her boys and her sorrow, and one strong head
and hand is wanted at home. A year and a half of holi
day is a good deal, and duty comes first always. Sorry
to call her back, but her eyes are troublesome, and
housework will rest them and set her up. Then she can
go again when I am better, for I don't want her to be
thwarted in her work more than just enough to make
her want it very much.
On the 1 9th she came. Well, happy, and full of sen
sible plans. A lively time enjoying the cheerful element
she always brings into the house. Piles of pictures,
merry adventures, and interesting tales of the fine Lon
don lovers.
Kept my thirty-ninth and Father's seventy-second
birthday in the old way.
Thanksgiving dinner at Pratt Farm. All well and all
together. Much to give thanks for.
December. — Enjoyed my quiet, sunny room very
much; and this lazy life seems to suit me, for I am
better, mind and body. All goes well at home, with
May to run the machine in her cheery, energetic style,
and amuse Marmee and Nan with gay histories. Had a
Eiirope. 261
furnace put in, and all enjoyed the new climate. No
more rheumatic fevers and colds, with picturesque open
fires. Mother is to be cosey if money can do it. She
seems to be now, and my long-cherished dream has come
true ; for she sits in a pleasant room, with no work, no
care, no poverty to worry, but peace and comfort all
about her, and children glad and able to stand between
trouble and her. Thank the Lord ! I like to stop and
" remember my mercies." Working and waiting for them
makes them very welcome.
Went to the ball for the Grand Duke Alexis. A fine
sight, and the big blonde boy the best of all. Would
dance with the pretty girls, and leave the Boston dowa
gers and their diamonds in the lurch.
To the Radical Club, where the philosophers mount
their hobbies and prance away into time and space, while
we gaze after them and try to look wise.
A merry Christmas at home. Tree for the boys,
family dinner, and frolic in the evening.
A varied, but on the whole a good year, in spite of
pain. Last Christmas we were in Rome, mourning for
John. What will next Christmas bring forth ? I have no
ambition now but to keep the family comfortable and not
ache any more. Pain has taught me patience, I hope, if
nothing more.
January, 1872. — Roberts Brothers paid $4,400 as six
months' receipts for the books. A fine New Year's gift.
S. E. S. invested $3,000, and the rest I put in the bank
for family needs. Paid for the furnace and all the bills.
What bliss it is to be able to do that and ask no help !
Mysterious bouquets came from some unknown ad
mirer or friend. Enjoyed them very much, and felt
quite grateful and romantic as day after day the lovely
262 Louisa May Alcott.
great nosegays were handed in by the servant of the
unknown.
February and March. — At Mrs. Stowe's desire, wrote
for the " Christian Union " an account of our journey
through France, and called it " Shawl Straps." . . .
Many calls and letters and invitations, but I kept quiet,
health being too precious to risk, and sleep still hard to
get for the brain that would work instead of rest.
Heard lectures, — Higginson, Bartol, Frothingham, and
Rabbi Lilienthal. Much talk about religion. I 'd like
to see a little more really lived.
April and May. — Wrote another sketch for the " In
dependent," — "A French Wedding;" and the events
of my travels paid my winter's expenses. All is fish that
comes to the literary net. Goethe puts his joys and sor
rows into poems ; I turn my adventures into bread and
butter.
June, 1872. — Home, and begin a new task. Twenty
vears ago I resolved to make the family independent if I
could. At forty that is done. Debts all paid, even the
outlawed ones, and we have enough to be comfortable.
It has cost me my health, perhaps; but as I still live,
there is more for me to do, I suppose.
CHAPTER X.
FAMILY CHANGES.
TRANSFIGURATION.!
IN MEMORIAM.
Lines written by Louisa M. Alcott on the death of her mother
MYSTERIOUS death ! who in a single hour
Life's gold can so refine,
And by thy art divine
Change mortal weakness to immortal power !
Bending beneath the weight of eighty years,
Spent with the noble strife
Of a victorious life,
We watched her fading heavenward, through our tears.
But ere the sense of loss our hearts had wrung,
A miracle was wrought ;
And swift as happy thought
She lived again, — brave, beautiful, and young.
Age, pain, and sorrow dropped the veils they wore
And showed the tender eyes
Of angels in disguise,
Whose discipline so patiently she bore.
The past years brought their harvest rich and fair ;
While memory and love,
Together, fondly wove
A goldan garland for the silver hair.
1 This poem was first published anonymously in " The Masque
of Poets," in 18/8.
264 Louisa May Alcott.
How could we mourn like those who are bereft,
When every pang of grief
Found balm for its relief
In counting up the treasures she had left ? —
Faith that withstood the shocks of toil and time;
Hope that defied despair ;
Patience that conquered care ;
And loyalty, whose courage was sublime ;
The great deep heart that was a home for all,—
Just, eloquent, and strong
In protest against wrong ;
Wide charity, that knew no sin, no fall ;
The spartan spirit that made life so grand,
Mating poor daily needs
With high, heroic deeds,
That wrested happiness from Fate's hard hand.
We thought to weep, but sing for joy instead,
Full of the grateful peace
That follows her release ;
For nothing but the weary dust lies dead.
Oh, noble woman ! never more a queen
Than in the laying down
Of sceptre and of crown
To win a greater kingdom, yet unseen :
Teaching us how to seek the highest goal,
To earn the true success, —
To live, to love, to bless, —
And make death proud to take a royal soul.
THE history of the next six years offers little
variety of incident in Miss Alcott's busy life.
She could not work at home in Concord as well as
in some quiet lodging in Boston, where she was
more free from interruption from visitors ; but she
spent her summers with her mother, often taking
charge of the housekeeping. In 1872 she wrote
" Work," one of her most successful books. She
Family Changes. 265
had begun it some time before, and originally
called it " Success." It represents her own per
sonal experience more than any other book. She
says to a friend : " Christie's adventures are many
of them my own; Mr. Power is Mr. Parker; Mrs.
Wilkins is imaginary, and all the rest. This was
begun at eighteen, and never finished till H. W.
Beecher wrote to me for a serial for the ' Christian
Union' in 1872, and pa'd $3,000 for it."
Miss Alcott again sent May to Europe in 1873
to finish her studies, and herself continued writing
stories to pay the expenses of the family. The
mother's serious illness weighed heavily on Louisa's
heart, and through the summer of 1873 she was
devoted to the invalid, rejoicing in her partial re
covery, though sadly feeling that she would never
be her bright energetic self again. Mrs. Alcott
was able, however, to keep her birthday (Octo
ber 8) pleasantly, and out of this experience came
a story called " A Happy Birthday." This little
tale paid for carriages for the invalid. It is in
eluded in " Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag."
Louisa and her mother decided to spend the
winter in Boston, while Mr. Alcott was at the
West. Her thoughts dwell much upon her fath
er's life, and she is not content that he has not
all the recognition and enjoyment that she would
gladly give him. She helps her mother to perform
the sacred duty of placing a tablet on Colonel
May's grave, and the dear old lady recognizes
that her life has gone down into the past, and
says, " This is n't my Boston, and I never want to
see it any more."
266 Louisa May Alcott.
Louisa was at this time engaged in writing for
" St. Nicholas " and " The Independent."
The return of the young artist, happy in her
success, brings brightness to the home-circle. In
the winter of 1875 Miss Alcott takes her old place
at the Bellevue, where May can have her drawing-
classes. She was herself ill, and the words, " No
sleep without morphine ! " tell the story of nervous
suffering.
Journal.
July, 1872. — May makes a lovely hostess, and I fly
round behind the scenes, or skip out of the back win
dow when ordered out for inspection by the inquisitive
public. Hard work to keep things running smoothly,
for this sight-seeing fiend is a new torment to us.
August. — May goes to Clark's Island for rest, having
kept hotel long enough. I say " No," and shut the
door. People must learn that authors have some rights ;
I can't entertain a dozen a day, and write the tales they
demand also. I 'm but a human worm, and when walked
on must turn in self-defence.
Reporters sit on the wall and take notes ; artists
sketch me as I pick pears in the garden ; and strange
women interview Johnny as he plays in the orchard.
It looks like impertinent curiosity to me ; but it is
called " fame," and considered a blessing to be grateful
for, I find. Let 'em try it.
September. — To Wolcott, with Father and Fred. A
quaint, lovely old place is the little house on Spindle
Hill, where the boy Amos dreamed the dreams that have
come true at last.
Got hints for my novel, " The Cost of an Idea," if I
ever find time to write it.
Family Changes. 267
Don't wonder the boy longed to climb those hills, and
see what lay beyond.
October. — Went to a room in Allston Street, in a
quiet, old-fashioned house. I can't work at home, and
need to be alone to spin, like a spider.
Rested ; walked ; to the theatre now and then. Home
once a week with books, etc., for Marmee and Nan.
Prepared " Shawl Straps" for Roberts.
November. — Forty on the 29th. Got Father off for
the West, all neat and comfortable. I enjoyed every
penny spent, and had a happy time packing his new
trunk with warm flannels, neat shirts, gloves, etc., and
seeing the dear man go off in a new suit, overcoat, hat,
and all, like a gentleman. We both laughed over the
pathetic old times with tears in our eyes, and I reminded
him of the " poor as poverty, but serene as heaven "
saying.
Something to do came just as I was trying to see what
to take up, for work is my salvation. H. W. Beecher
sent one of the editors of the " Christian Union " to ask
for a serial story. They have asked before, and offered
$2,000, which I refused ; now they offered $3,000, and
I accepted.
Got out the old manuscript of " Success," and called it
" Work." Fired up the engine, and plunged into a vortex,
with many doubts about getting out. Can't work slowly ;
the thing possesses me, and I must obey till it 's done.
One thousand dollars was sent as a seal on the bargain,
so I was bound, and sat at the oar like a galley-slave.
F. wanted eight little tales, and offered $35 apiece;
used to pay $10. Such is fame ! At odd minutes I
wrote the short ones, and so paid my own expenses.
" Shawl Straps," Scrap-Bag, No. 2, came out, and
went well.
268 Louisa May Alcott.
Great Boston fire; up all night. Very splendid and
terrible sight.
December. — Busy with "Work." Write three pages
at once on impression paper, as Beecher, Roberts, and
Low of London all want copy at once.
[This was the cause of the paralysis of my thumb, which
disabled me for the rest of my life. — L. M. A.]
Nan and the boys came to visit me, and break up the
winter. Rested a little, and played with them.
Father very busy and happy. On his birthday had
a gold-headed cane given him. He is appreciated out
there.
During these western trips, Mr. Alcott found
that his daughter's fame added much to the
warmth of his reception. On his return he loved
to tell how he was welcomed as the " grandfather
of ' Little Women.' ' When he visited schools, he
delighted the young audiences by satisfying their
curiosity as to the author of their favorite book,
and the truth of the characters and circumstances
described in it.
BOSTON, 1872.
DEAR MARMEE, — Had a very transcendental day yes
terday, and at night my head was " swelling wisibly " with
the ideas cast into it.
The club was a funny mixture of rabbis and weedy
old ladies, the " oversoul " and oysters. Papa and B.
flew clean out of sight like a pair of Platonic balloons,
and we tried to follow, but couldn't.
In the P.M. went to R. W. E.'s reading. All the liter
ary birds were out in full feather. This " 'umble " worm
was treated with distinguished condescension. Dr. B. gave
me his noble hand to press, and murmured compliments
Family Changes. 269
with the air of a bishop bestowing a benediction. Dear
B. beamed upon me from the depths of his funny little
cloak and said, "We are getting on well, ain't we?"
W. bowed his Jewish head, and rolled his fine eye at me.
Several dreadful women purred about me, and I fled.
M. said what I liked, — that he 'd sent my works to
his mother, and the good old lady told him to tell me
that she could n't do a stroke of work, but just sat and
read 'em right through ; she wished she was young so as
to have a long life in which to keep on enjoying such
books. The peacock liked that.
I have paid all my own expenses oat of the money
earned by my little tales; GO I have not touched the
family income.
Did n't mean to write ; but it has been an expensive
winter, and my five hundred has made me all right. The
$500 I lent K. makes a difference in the income ; but I
could not refuse her, she was so kind in the old hard
times
At the reading a man in front of me sat listening and
knitting his brows for a time, but had to give it up and
go to sleep. After it was over some one said to him,
" Well, what do you think of it ? " " It's all very fine I
have no doubt ; but I 'm blessed if I can understand a
word of it," was the reply. . . .
The believers glow when the oracle is stuck, rustle and
beam when he is audible, and nod and smile as if they
understood perfectly when he murmurs under the desk !
We are a foolish set !
Journal.
January, 1873. — Getting on well with " Work ; " have
to go slowly now for fear of a break-down. All well at
home.
270 Louisa May Alcott.
A week at Newport with Miss Jane Stewart. Dinners,
balls, calls, etc. Saw Higgins-on and " H. H." Soon
tired of gayety, and glad to get home to my quiet den
and pen.
Roberts Brothers paid me $2,022 for books. S. E. S.
invested most of it, with the $1,000 F. sent. Gave C. M.
$100, — a thank-offering for my success. I like to help
the class of " silent poor " to which we belonged for so
many years, — needy, but respectable, and forgotten be
cause too proud to beg. Work difficult to find for such
people, and life made very hard for want of a little money
to ease the necessary needs.
February and March. — Anna very ill with pneumonia:
home to nurse her. Father telegraphed to come home,
as we thought her dying. She gave me her boys ; but
the dear saint got well, and kept the lads for herself.
Thank God !
Back to my work with what wits nursing left me.
Had Johnny for a week, to keep all quiet at home.
Enjoyed the sweet little soul very much, and sent him
back much better.
Finished " Work," — twenty chapters. Not what it
should be, — too many interruptions. Should like to do
one book in peace, and see if it would n't be good.
April. — The job being done I went home to take
May's place. Gave her ^1,000, and sent her to London
for a year of study. She sailed on the 26th, brave and
happy and hopeful. I felt that she needed it, and was
glad to be able to help her.
I spent seven months in Boston ; wrote a book and
ten tales ; earned $3,250 by my pen, and am satisfied
with my winter's work.
May, — D. F. wanted a dozen little tales, and agreed
to pay $50 apiece, if I give up other things for this.
Family Changes. 271
Said I would, as I can do two a day, and keep house be
tween times. Cleaned and grubbed, and did n't mind
the change. Let head rest, and heels and feet do the
work.
Cold and dull ; but the thought of May free and happy
was my comfort as I messed about.
June and July. — Settled the servant question by get
ting a neat American woman to cook and help me with
the housework.
Peace fell upon our troubled souls, and all went well.
Good meals, tidy house, cheerful service, and in the p. M.
an intelligent young person to read and sew with us.
It was curious how she came to us. She had taught
and sewed, and was tired, and wanted something else ;
decided to try for a housekeeper's place, but happened
to read " Work," and thought she 'd do as Christie did,
— take anything that came.
I was the first who answered her advertisement, and
when she found I wrote the book, she said, " I '11 go and
see if Miss A. practises as she preaches."
She found I did, and we had a good time together.
My new helper did so well I took pale Johnny to the
seaside for a week ; but was sent for in haste, as poor
Marmee was very ill. Mental bewilderment came after
one of her heart troubles (the dropsy affected the brain),
and for three weeks we had a sad time. Father and I
took care of her, and my good A. S. kept house nicely
and faithfully for me.
Marmee slowly came back to herself, but sadly feeble,
— never to be our brave, energetic leader any more.
She felt it, and it was hard to convince her that there was
no need of her doing anything but rest.
August, September, October. — Mother improved stead
ily. Father went to the Alcott festival in Walcott, A.
272 Louisa May Alcott.
and boys to Conway for a month ; and it did them all
much good.
I had quiet days with Marmee ; drove with her, and
had the great pleasure of supplying all her needs and
fancies.
May busy and happy in London. A merry time on
Mother's birthday, October 8. All so glad to have her
still here ; for it seemed as if we were to lose her.
Made a little story of it for F., — "A Happy Birth
day," — and spent the $50 in carriages for her.
November and December. — Decided that it was best
not to try a cold, lonely winter in C., but go to B. with
Mother, Nan, and boys, and leave Father free for the
West.
Took sunny rooms at the South End, near the Park,
so the lads could play out and Marmee walk. She en
joyed the change, and sat at her window watching people,
horse-cars, and sparrows with great interest. Old friends
came to see her, and she was happy. Found a nice
school for the boys ; and Nan enjoyed her quiet days.
January, 1874. — Mother quite ill this month. Dr.
Wesselhoeft does his best for the poor old body, now
such a burden to her. The slow decline has begun,
and she knows it, having nursed her mother to the
same end.
Father disappointed and rather sad, to be left out of
so much that he would enjoy and should be asked to
help and adorn. A little more money, a pleasant house
and time to attend to it, and I 'd bring all the best people
to see and entertain him. When I see so much twaddle
going on I wonder those who can don't get up something
better, and have really good things.
When I had the youth I had no money ; now I have
the money I have no time ; and when I get the time, if
Family Changes. 273
I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life. I suppose
it 's the discipline I need ; but it 's rather hard to love the
things I do and see them go by because duty chains me
to my galley. If I come into port at last with all sail set
that will be reward perhaps.
Life always was a puzzle to me, and gets more mysteri
ous as I go on. I shall find it out by and by and see
that it 's all right, if I can only keep brave and patient to
the end.
May still in London painting Turners, and doing pretty
panels as " pot-boilers." They sell well, and she is a
thrifty child. Good luck to our mid-summer girl.
February. — Father has several conversations at the
Clubs and Societies and Divinity School. No one pays
anything ; but they seem glad to listen. There ought to
be a place for him.
Nan busy with her boys, and they doing well at school,
— good, gay, and intelligent ; a happy mother and most
loving little sons.
I wrote two tales, and got $200. Saw Charles Kings-
ley, — a pleasant man. His wife has Alcott relations,
and likes my books. Asked us to come and see him
in England ; is to bring his daughters to Concord by
and by.
March. — May came home with a portfolio full of fine
work. Must have worked like a busy bee to have done
so much.
Very happy in her success ; for she has proved her
talent, having copied Turner so well that Ruskin (meet
ing her in the National Gallery at work) told her that
she had " caught Turner's spirit wonderfully." She has
begun to copy Nature, and done well. Lovely sketches
of the cloisters in Westminster Abbey, and other charm
ing things.
18
2/4 Louisa May Alcott.
I write a story for all my men, and make up the $1,000
I planned to earn by my " pot-boilers " before we go
back to C.
A tablet to Grandfather May is put in Stone Chapel,
and one Sunday A. M. we take Mother to see it. A
pathetic sight to see Father walk up the broad aisle with
the feeble old wife on his arm as they went to be married
nearly fifty years ago. Mother sat alone in the old pew
a little while and sung softly the old hymns ; for it was
early, and only the sexton there. He asked who she was.
and said his father was sexton in Grandfather's time.
Several old ladies came in and knew Mother. She
broke down thinking of the time when she and her mother
eftid sisters and father and brothers all went to church to
gether, and we took her home saying, "This isn't my
Boston ; all my friends are gone ; I never want to see it
any more."
[She never did. — L. M. A.]
April and May. — Back to Concord, after May and I
had put all in fine order and made the old house lovely
with her pictures. When all were settled, with May to
keep house, I went to B. for rest, and took a room in
Joy Street.
The Elgin Watch Company offered me a gold watch or
$100 for a tale. Chose the money, and wrote the story
" My Rococo Watch " * for them.
October. — Took two nice rooms at the Hotel Bellevue
for the winter ; May to use one for her classes. Tried to
work on my book, but was in such pain could not do
much. Got no sleep without morphine. Tried old Dr.
Hewett, who was sure he could cure the woe. . . .
November. — Funny time with the publishers about the
1 In Spinning-Wheel Stories.
Fa m ily Changes. 275
tale ; for all wanted it at once, and each tried to outbid
the other for an unwritten story. I rather enjoyed it, and
felt important with Roberts, Low, and Scribner all clam
oring for my " 'umble " works. No peddling poor little
manuscripts now, and feeling rich with $10. The golden
goose can sell her eggs for a good price, if she is n't killed
by too much driving.
December. — Better and busier than last month.
All well at home, and Father happy among his kind
Westerners. Finish " Eight Cousins," and get ready to
do the temperance tale, for F. offers $700 for six
chapters, — " Silver Pitchers."
January, 1875. — • • • Father flourishing about the
Western cities, " riding in Louisa's chariot, and adored
as the grandfather of ' Little Women,' " he says.
February. — Finish my tale and go to Vassar College
on a visit. See M. M., talk with four hundred girls, write
in stacks of albums and school-books, and kiss every one
who asks me. Go to New York ; am rather lionized, -
and run away ; but things look rather jolly, and I may
try a winter there some time, as I need a change and
new ideas.
March. — Home again, getting ready for the centen
nial fuss.
April. — On the i9th a grand celebration. General
break-down, owing to an unwise desire to outdo all the
other towns ; too many people. . . .
Miss Alcott was very much interested in the
question of Woman Suffrage, and exerted herself
to get up a meeting in Concord. The subject was
then very unpopular, and there was an ill-bred
effort to destroy the meeting by noise and riot.
Although not fond of speaking in public, she
276 Louisa May Alcott.
always put herself bravely on the side of the un
popular cause, and lent to it all the argument of
her heroic life. When Mrs. Livermore lectured
at Concord, Miss Alcott sat up all night talking
with her on the great question. She had an oppor
tunity of trying which was most exhausting, abuse
or admiration, when she went to a meeting of the
Women's Congress at Syracuse, in October. She
was introduced to the audience by Mrs. Liver-
more, and the young people crowded about her
like bees about a honeycomb. She was waylaid
in the streets, petitioned for autographs, kissed by
gushing young maidens, and made emphatically
the lion of the hour. It was all so genial and
spontaneous, that she enjoyed the fun. No amount
of adulation ever affected the natural simplicity of
her manners. She neither despised nor overrated
her fame ; but was glad of it as a proof of suc
cess in what she was ever aiming to do. She spent
a few weeks in New York enjoying the gay and
literary society which was freely opened to her ;
but finding most satisfaction in visiting the
Tombs, Newsboys' Home, and Randall's Island,
for she liked these things better than parties and
dinners.
Journal.
June, July, August, 1875. — Kept house at home, with
two Irish incapables to trot after, and ninety-two guests
in one month to entertain. Fame is an expensive lux
ury. I can do without it. This is my worst scrape, I
think. I asked for bread, and got a stone, — in the
shape of a pedestal.
Family Changes. 277
September and October, 1875. — I g° to Woman's
Congress in Syracuse, and see Niagara. Funny time
with the girls.
Write loads of autographs, dodge at the theatre, and
am kissed to death by gushing damsels. One energetic
lady grasped my hand in the crowd, exclaiming, " If you
ever come to Oshkosh, your feet will not be allowed to
touch the ground : you will be borne in the arms of the
people! Will you come ?" "Never," responded Miss
A., trying to look affable, and dying to laugh as the good
soul worked my arm like a pump-handle, and from the
gallery generations of girls were looking on. " This,
this, is fame ! "
November, December. — Take a room at Bath Hotel,
New York, and look about me. Miss Sally Holly is here,
and we go about together. She tells me much of her
life among the freedmen, and Mother is soon deep in
barrels of clothes, food, books, etc., for Miss A. to take
back with her.
See many people, and am very gay for a country- mouse.
Society unlike either London or Boston.
Go to Sorosis, and to Mrs. Botta's, O. B. Frothing-
ham's, Miss Booth's, and Mrs. Croly's receptions.
Visit the Tombs, Newsboys' Home, and Randall's
Island on Christmas Day with Mrs. Gibbons. A mem
orable day. Make a story of it. Enjoy these things
more than the parties and dinners.
To Mrs. Dodge.
NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 1875.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — So far, New York seems invit
ing, though I have not seen or done much but " gawk
round " as the country folks do. I have seen Niagara, and
278 Louisa May Alcott.
enjoyed my vacation very much, especially the Woman's
Congress in Syracuse. I was made a member, so have
the honor to sign myself,
Yours truly, L. M. ALCOTT, M. C.
To her Father.
NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 1875.
DEAR SEVENTY-SIX, — As I have nothing else to send
you on our joint birthday, I '11 despatch a letter about
some of the people I have lately seen in whom you take
an interest.
Tuesday we heard Gough on " Blunders," and it was
very good, — both witty and wise, earnest and sensible.
Wednesday eve to Mr. Frothingham's for his Fraternity
Club meeting. Pleasant people. Ellen F. ; Abby Sage
Richardson, a very lovely woman ; young Putnam and
wife ; Mrs. Stedman ; Mattie G. and her spouse, Dr. B.,
who read a lively story of Mormon life ; Mrs. Dodge ;
O. Johnson and wife, and many more whose names I
forget.
After the story the given subject for discussion was
brought up, — " Conformity and Noncomformity." Mr.
B., a promising young lawyer, led one side, Miss B. the
other, and Mr. F. was in the chair. It was very lively ;
and being called upon, I piped up, and went in for non
conformity when principle was concerned. Got patted
on the head for my remarks, and did n't disgrace my
self except by getting very red and talking fast.
Ellen F. was very pleasant, and asked much about
May. Proudly I told of our girl's achievements, and E.
hoped she would come to New York. Mrs. Richardson
was presented, and we had some agreeable chat. She
is a great friend of O. B. F., and is lecturing here OP
Family Changes. 279
" Literature." Shall go and hear her, as she is coming
to see me.
O. B. F. was as polished and clear and cool and witty
as usual ; most gracious to the " 'umble " Concord worm ;
and Mrs. F. asked me to come and see them.
Yesterday took a drive with Sally H. in Central Park
as it was fine, and she had no fun on her Thanksgiving.
I dined at Mrs. Botta's, for she kindly came and asked
me. Had a delightful time, and felt as if I 'd been to
Washington ; for Professor Byng, a German ex-consul,
was there, full of Capitol gossip about Sumner and all
the great beings that there do congregate. Mr. Botta
you know, — a handsome, long-haired Italian, very culti
vated and affable.
Also about Lord H., whom B. thought " an amiable
old woman," glad to say pretty things, and fond of being
lionized. Byng knew Rose and Una, and asked about
them ; also told funny tales of Victor Emmanuel and his
Court, and queer adventures in Greece, where he, B.,
was a consul, or something official. It was a glimpse
into a new sort of world ; and as the man was very
accomplished, elegant, and witty, I enjoyed it much.
We had music later, and saw some fine pictures.
Durant knew Miss Thackeray, J. Ingelow, and other
English people whom I did, so we had a good dish of
gossip with Mrs. Botta, while the others talked three or
four languages at once.
It is a delightful house, and I shall go as often as I
may, for it is the sort of thing I like much better than
B. H. and champagne.
To-night we go to hear Bradlaugh ; to-morrow, a new
play ; Sunday, Frothingham and Bellows ; and Monday,
Mrs. Richardson and Shakespeare.
But it is n't all play, I assure you. I 'm a thrifty but-
2 So Louisa May Alcott.
terfly, and have written three stories. The " G." has
paid for the little Christmas tale ; the " I." has " Letty's
Tramp;" and my "girl paper" for "St. Nick" is
about ready. Several other papers are waiting for tales,
so I have a ballast of work to keep me steady in spite of
much fun.
Mr. Powell has been twice to see me, and we go to
visit the charities of New York next week. I like to see
both sides, and generally find the busy people most
interesting.
So far I like New York very much, and feel so well I
shall stay on till I 'm tired of it. People begin to tell
me how much better I look than when I came, and
I have not an ache to fret over. This, after such a long
lesson in bodily ails, is a blessing for which I am duly
grateful.
Hope all goes well with you, and that I shall get a line
now and then. I '11 keep them for you to bind up by
and by instead of mine. . . .
We can buy a carriage some other time, and a barn
likewise, and a few other necessities of life. Rosa has
proved such a good speculation we shall dare to let May
venture another when the ship comes in. I am glad the
dear " rack-a-bones " is a comfort to her mistress, only
don't let her break my boy's bones by any antics when
she feels her oats.
I suppose you are thinking of Wilson just now, and
his quiet slipping away to the heavenly council chambers
where the good senators go. Rather like Stunner's end,
wasn't it? No wife or children, only men and servants.
Wilson was such a genial, friendly soul I should have
thought he would have felt the loneliness very much.
Hope if he left any last wishes his mates will carry them
out faithfully. . . .
Family Changes. 281
Now, dear Plato, the Lord bless you, and keep you
serene and happy for as many years as He sees fit, ana
me likewise, to be a comfort as well as a pride to you.
Ever your loving FORTY-THREE
To her Nephews.
NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 1875.
DEAR FRED AND DONNY, — We went to see the news
boys, and I wish you 'd been with us, it was so interest
ing. A nice big house has been built for them, with
dining-room and kitchen on the first floor, bath-rooms
and school-room next, two big sleeping- places, — third and
fourth stories, — and at the top a laundry and gymnasium.
We saw all the tables set for breakfast, — a plate and
bowl for each, — and in the kitchen great kettles, four
times as big as our copper boiler, for tea and coffee,
soup, and meat. They have bread and meat and coffee
for breakfast, and bread and cheese and tea for supper,
and get their own dinners out. School was just over
when we got there, and one hundred and eighty boys
were in the immense room with desks down the middle,
and all around the walls were little cupboards numbered.
Each boy on coming in gives his name, pays six cents,
gets a key, and puts away his hat, books, and jacket (if
he has 'em) in his own cubby for the night. They pay
five cents for supper, and schooling, baths, etc., are free.
They were a smart-looking set, larking round in shirts
and trousers, barefooted, but the faces were clean, and
the heads smooth, and clothes pretty decent ; yet they
support themselves, for not one of them has any parents
or home but this. One little chap, only six, was trotting
round as busy as a bee, locking up his small shoes and
ragged jacket as if they were great treasures. I asked
282 Louisa May Alcott.
about little Pete, and the man told us his brother, only
nine, supported him and took care of him entirely ; and
would n't let Pete be sent away to any home, because he
wished to have " his family " with him.
Think of that, Fred ! How would it seem to be all
alone in a big city, with no mamma to cuddle you ; no
two grandpa's houses to take you in ; not a penny but
what you earned, and Donny to take care of ? Could
you do it? Nine-year-old Patsey does it capitally; buys
Pete's clothes, pays for his bed and supper, and puts
pennies in the savings-bank. There 's a brave little man
for you ! I wanted to see him ; but he is a newsboy,
and sells late papers, because, though harder work, it
pays better, and the coast is clear for those who do it.
The savings-bank was a great table all full of slits, each
one leading to a little place below and numbered outside,
so each boy knew his own. Once a month the bank is
opened, and the lads take out what they like, or have it
invested in a big bank for them to have when they find
homes out West, as many do, and make good farmers.
One boy was putting in some pennies as we looked, and
I asked how much he had saved this month. " Four
teen dollars, ma'am," says the thirteen-year-older, proudly
slipping in the last cent. A prize of $3 is offered to the
lad who saves the most in a month.
The beds upstairs were in two immense rooms, ever so
much larger than our town hall, — one hundred in one,
and one hundred and eighty in another, — all narrow
beds with a blue quilt, neat pillow, and clean sheet.
They are built in long rows, one over another, and the
upper boy has to climb up as on board ship. I 'd have
liked to see one hundred and eighty all in their " by-lows "
at once, and I asked the man if they did n't train when
all were in. " Lord, ma'am, they 're up at five, poor
Family Changes. 283
little chaps, and are so tired at night that they drop off
right away. Now and then some boy kicks up a little
row, but we have a watchman, and he soon settles 'em."
He also told me how that very day a neat, smart
young man came in, and said he was one of their boys
who went West with a farmer only a little while ago ; and
now he owned eighty acres of land, had a good house,
and was doing well, and had come to New York to find
his sister, and to take her away to live with him. Was n't
that nice? Lots of boys do as well. Instead of loafing
round the streets and getting into mischief, they are
taught to be tidy, industrious, and honest, and then sent
away into the wholesome country to support themselves.
It was funny to see 'em scrub in the bath-room, — feet
and faces, — comb their hair, fold up their old clothes in
the dear cubbies, which make them so happy because
they feel that they own something.
The man said every boy wanted one, even though he
had neither shoes nor jacket to put in it ; but would lay
away an old rag of a cap or a dirty tippet with an air
of satisfaction fine to see. Some lads sat reading, and
the man said they loved it so they 'd read all night, if
allowed. At nine he gave the word, " Bed ! " and away
went the lads, trooping up to sleep in shirts and trousers,
as nightgowns are not provided. How would a boy I
know like that, — a boy who likes to have " trommin "
on his nighties? Of course, 1 don't mean dandy Don !
Oh, dear no !
After nine [if late in coming in] they are fined five
cents ; after ten, ten cents ; and after eleven they can't
come in at all. This makes them steady, keeps them
out of harm, and gives them time for study. Some go
to the theatre, and sleep anywhere ; some sleep at the
Home, but go out for a better breakfast than they get
284 Louisa May Alcott.
there, as the swell ones are fond of goodies, and live
well in their funny way. Coffee and cakes at Fulton
Market is " the tip-top grub," and they often spend all
their day's earnings in a play and a supper, and sleep in
boxes or cellars after it.
Lots of pussies were round the kitchen ; and one black
one I called a bootblack, and a gray kit that yowled
loud was a newsboy. That made some chaps laugh, and
they nodded at me as I went out. Nice boys ! but I
know some nicer ones. Write and tell me something
about my poor Squabby.
By-by, your
WEED\ .
To her Family.
SATURDAY EVENING, Dec. 25, 1875.
DEAR FAMILY, — ... I had only time for a word this
A. M., as the fourth letter was from Mrs. P. to say they coukl
not go ; so I trotted off in the fog at ten to the boat»
and there found Mr. and Mrs. G. and piles of goodies foi
the poor children. She is a dear little old lady in ^
close, Quakerish bonnet and plain suit, but wide-awak*
and full of energy. It was grand to see her tackle tlw
big mayor and a still bigger commissioner, and tell then-
what ought to be done for the poor things on the Island
as they are to be routed ; for the city wants the land foi
some dodge or other. Both men fled soon, for the brave
little woman was down on 'em in a way that would have
made Marmee cry " Ankore ! " and clap her dress-gloves
to rags.
When the rotundities had retired, she fell upon a
demure priest, and read him a sermon ; and then won
the heart of a boyish reporter so entirely that he stuck to
us all day, and helped serve out dolls and candy like a
man and a brother. Long life to him !
Family Changes. 285
Mr. G. and I discussed pauperism and crime like two
old wiseacres ; and it was sweet to hear the gray-headed
couple say " thee " and " thou," " Abby " and " James," to
one another, he following with the bundles wherever the
little poke- bonnet led the way. I Ve had a pretty good
variety of Christmases in my day, but never one like this
before. First we drove in an old ramshackle hack to
the chapel, whither a boy had raced before us, crying
joyfully to all he met, " She 's come ! Miss G. — she 's
come ! " And all faces beamed, as well they might,
since for thirty years she has gone to make set after set
of little forlornities happy on this day.
The chapel was full. On one side, in front, girls in
blue gowns and white pinafores ; on the other, small
chaps in pinafores likewise ; and behind them, bigger
boys in gray suits with cropped heads, and larger girls
with ribbons in their hair and pink calico gowns. They
sang alternately ; the girls gave " Juanita" very well, the
little chaps a pretty song about poor children asking a
" little white angel " to leave the gates of heaven ajar, so
they could peep in, if no more. Quite pathetic, coming
from poor babies who had no home but this.
The big boys spoke pieces, and I was amused when
one bright lad in gray, with a red band on his arm, spoke
the lines I gave G., — " Merry Christmas." No one
knew me, so I had the joke to myself; and I found
afterward that I was taken for the mayoress, who was
expected. Then we drove to the hospital, and there the
heart-ache began, for me at least, so sad it was to see
these poor babies, born of want and sin, suffering every
sort of deformity, disease, and pain. Cripples half blind,
scarred with scrofula, burns, and abuse, — it was simply
awful and indescribable !
As we went in, I with a great box of dolls and the
286 Louisa May Alcott.
young reporter with a bigger box of candy, a general
cry of delight greeted us. Some children tried to run,
half-blind ones stretched out their groping hands, little
ones crawled, and big ones grinned, while several poor
babies sat up in their bed, beckoning us to " come
quick."
One poor mite, so eaten up with sores that its whole
face was painted with some white salve, — its head covered
with an oilskin cap ; one eye gone, and the other half
filmed over ; hands bandaged, and ears bleeding, — could
only moan and move its feet till I put a gay red dolly in
one hand and a pink candy in the other ; then the dim
eye brightened, the hoarse voice said feebly, "Tanky,
lady ! " and I left it contentedly sucking the sweetie, and
trying to see its dear new toy. It can't see another
Christmas, and I like to think I helped make this one
happy, even for a minute.
It was pleasant to watch the young reporter trot round
with the candy-box, and come up to me all interest to
say, " One girl has n't got a doll, ma'am, and looks so
disappointed."
After the hospital, we went to the idiot house ; and
there I had a chance to see faces and figures that will
haunt me a long time. A hundred or so of half-grown
boys and girls ranged down a long hall, a table of toys
in the middle, and an empty one for Mrs. G.'s gifts. A
cheer broke out as the little lady hurried in waving her
handkerchief and a handful of gay bead necklaces, and
" Oh ! Ohs ! " followed the appearance of the doll-lady
and the candy man.
A pile of gay pictures was a new idea, and Mrs. G.
told me to hold up some bright ones and see if the poor
innocents would understand and enjoy them. I held up
one of two kittens lapping spilt milk, and the girls began
Family Changes. 287
to mew and say " Cat ! ah, pretty." Then a fine horse,
and the boys bounced on their benches with pleasure ;
while a ship in full sail produced a cheer of rapture from
them all.
Some were given out to the good ones, and the rest
are to be pinned round the room ; so the pictures were a
great success. All wanted dolls, even boys of nineteen ;
for all were children in mind. But the girls had them,
and young women of eighteen cuddled their babies and
were happy. The boys chose from the toy-table, and it
was pathetic to see great fellows pick out a squeaking dog
without even the wit to pinch it when it was theirs. One
dwarf of thirty-five chose a little Noah's ark, and brooded
over it in silent bliss.
Some with beards sucked their candy, and stared at a
toy cow or box of blocks as if their cup was full. One
French girl sang the Marseillaise in a feeble voice, and
was so overcome by her new doll that she had an epilep
tic fit on the spot, which made two others go off like
wise j and a slight pause took place while they were
kindly removed to sleep it off.
A little tot of four, who had n't sense to put candy in
its mouth, was so fond of music that when the girls sang
the poor vacant face woke up, and a pair of lovely soft
hazel eyes stopped staring dully at nothing, and went
wandering to and fro with light in them, as if to find the
only sound that can reach its poor mind.
I guess I gave away two hundred dolls, and a soap-box
of candy was empty when we left. But rows of sticky
faces beamed at us, and an array of gay toys wildly
waved after us, as if we were angels who had showered
goodies on the poor souls.
Pauper women are nurses ; and Mrs. G. says the babies
die like sheep, many being deserted so young nothing
288 Louisa May Alcott.
can be hoped or done for them. One of the teachers in
the idiot home was a Miss C., who remembered Nan at
Dr. Wilbur's. Very lady-like, and all devotion to me.
But such a life ! Oh, me ! Who can lead it, and not
go mad?
At four, we left and came home, Mrs. G. giving a box
of toys and sweeties on board the boat for the children
of the men who run it. So leaving a stream of blessings
and pleasures behind her, the dear old lady drove away,
simply saying, "There now, I shall feel better for the
next year ! " Well she may ; bless her !
She made a speech to the chapel children after the
Commissioner had prosed in the usual way, and she told
'em that she should come as long as she could, and when
she was gone her children would still keep it up in mem
ory of her ; so for thirty years more she hoped this, their
one holiday, would be made happy for them. I could
have hugged her on the spot, the motherly old dear !
Next Wednesday we go to the Tombs, and some day
I am to visit the hospital with her, for I like this better
than parties, etc.
I got home at five, and then remembered that I 'd had
no lunch ; so I took an apple till six, when I discovered
that all had dined at one so the helpers could go early
this evening. Thus my Christmas day was without din
ner or presents, for the first time since I can remember.
Yet it has been a very memorable day, and I feel as if
I 'd had a splendid feast seeing the poor babies wallow
in turkey soup, and that every gift I put into their hands
had come back to me in the dumb delight of their
unchild-like faces trying to smile.
After the pleasant visit in New York, Miss Alcott
returned to Boston, where she went into society
Family Changes. 289
more than usual, often attending clubs, theatres,
and receptions. She was more lionized than ever,
and had a natural pleasure in the attention she
received.
The summer of 1876 she spent at Concord, nurs-
ing her mother, who was very ill. She here wrote
" Rose in Bloom," the sequel to " Eight Cousins,"
in three weeks. It was published in November.
Louisa was anxious that her sister should have
a home for her young family. Mrs. Pratt invested
what she could of her husband's money in the
purchase, and Louisa contributed the rest. This
was the so-called Thoreau House on the main
street in Concord, which became Mrs. Pratt's
home, and finally that of her father.
Louisa spent the summer of 1877 in Concord.
Her mother's illness increased, and she was her
self very ill in August. Yet she wrote this sum
mer one of her brightest and sweetest stories,
" Under the Lilacs." Her love of animals is spe
cially apparent in this book, and she records going
to the circus to make studies for the performing
dog Sanch.
During the winter of 1877, Miss Alcott went to
the Bellevue for some weeks, and having secured
the necessary quiet, devoted herself to the writing
of a novel for the famous No Name Series pub
lished by Roberts Brothers. This book had been
in her mind for some time, as is seen by the jour
nal. As it was to appear anonymously, and was
not intended for children, she was able to depart
from her usual manner, and indulge the weird
and lurid fancies which took possession of her in
19
290 Louisa May Alcott.
her dramatic days, and when writing sensational
stories. She was much interested, and must have
written it very rapidly, as it was published in April.
She enjoyed the excitement of her incognito, and
was much amused at the guesses of critics and
iriends, who attributed the book to others, and
were sure Louisa Alcott did not write it, because
its style was so unlike hers.
It certainly is very unlike the books Miss Alcott
had lately written. It has nothing of the home
like simplicity and charm of " Little Women,"
" Old-Fashioned Girl," and the other stories with
which she was delighting the children, and, with
" Moods," must always be named as exceptional
when speaking of her works. Still, a closer study
of her life and nature will reveal much of her own
tastes and habits of thought in the book; and it is
evident that she wrote con amore, and was fasci
nated by the familiars she evoked, however little
charm they may seem to possess to others. She
was fond of Hawthorne's books. The influence of
his subtle and weird romances is undoubtedly per
ceptible in the book, and it is not strange that it
was attributed to his son. She says it had been
simmering in her brain ever since she read " Faust"
the year before ; and she clearly wished to work
according to Goethe's thought, — that the Prince
of Darkness was a gentleman, and must be repre
sented as belonging to the best society.
The plot is powerful and original. A young poet,
with more ambition than genius or self-knowledge,
finds himself, at nineteen, friendless, penniless, and
hopeless, and is on the point of committing suicide.
Family Changes. 291
He is saved by Helwyze, a middle-aged man,
who has been severely crippled by a terrible fall,
and his heart seared by the desertion of the woman
he loved. A man of intellect, power, imagination,
and wealth, but incapable of conscientious feeling
or true love, he is a dangerous savior for the im
pulsive poet; but he takes him to his home, warms,
feeds, and shelters him, and promises to bring out
his book. The brilliant, passionate woman who
gave up her lover when his health and beauty were
gone, returned to him when youth had passed,
and would gladly have devoted herself to sooth
ing his pain and enriching his life. Her feeling
is painted with delicacy and tenderness.
But Helwyze's heart knew nothing of the divine
quality of forgiveness ; for his love there was no res
urrection ; and he only valued the power he could
exercise over a brilliant woman, and the intellectual
entertainment she could bring him. A sweet young
girl, Olivia's protegee, completes the very limited
dramatis personce.
The young poet, Felix Canaris, under the guid
ance of his new friend, wins fame, success, and the
young girl's heart; but his wayward fancy turns
rather to the magnificent Olivia. The demoniac
Helwyze works upon this feeling, and claims of
Olivia her fair young friend Gladys as a wife for
Felix, who is forced to accept her at the hands of
his master. She is entirely responsive to the love
which she fancies she has won, and is grateful for
her fortunate lot, and devotes herself to the com
fort and happiness of the poor invalid who de
lights in her beauty and grace. For a time Felix
292 Lotiisa May Alcott.
enjoys a society success, to which his charming
wife, as well as his book, contribute. But at last
this excitement flags. He writes another book,
which he threatens to burn because he is dissatis
fied with it. Gladys entreats him to spare it, and
Helwyze offers to read it to her. She is overcome
and melted with emotion at the passion and pathos
of the story ; and when Helwyze asks, " Shall I
burn it ? " Felix answers, " No ! " Again the book
brings success and admiration, but the tender wife
sees that it does not insure happiness, and that
her husband is plunging into the excitement of
gambling.
The demon Helwyze has complete control over
the poet, which he exercises with such subtle tyr
anny that the young man is driven to the dreadful
thought of murder to escape from him ; but he is
saved from the deed by the gentle influence of his
wife, who has won his heart at last, unconscious
that it had not always been hers.
Helwyze finds his own punishment. One being
resists his power, — Gladys breathes his poisoned
atmosphere unharmed. He sends for Olivia as his
ally to separate the wife from her husband's love.
A passion of curiosity possesses him to read her
very heart; and at last he resorts to a strange
means to accomplish his purpose. He gives her
an exciting drug without her knowledge, and un
der its influence she speaks and acts with a rare
genius which calls forth the admiration of all the
group. Left alone with her, Helwyze exercises his
magnetic power to draw forth the secrets of her
heart; but he reads there only a pure and true
Family Changes. 293
love for her husband, and fear of the unhallowed
passion which he is cherishing. The secret of
his power over the husband is at last revealed.
Canaris has published as his own the work of
Helwyze, and all the fame and glory he has re
ceived has been won by deceit, and is a miserable
mockery.
The tragic result is inevitable. Gladys dies under
the pressure of a burden too heavy for her, — the
knowledge of deceit in him she had loved and
trusted ; while the stricken Helwyze is paralyzed,
and lives henceforth only a death in life.
With all the elements of power and beauty in
this singular book, it fails to charm and win the
heart of the reader. The circumstances are in a
romantic setting, but still they are prosaic ; and
tragedy is only endurable when taken up into the
region of the ideal, where the thought of the uni
versal rounds out all traits of the individual. In
Goethe's Faust, Margaret is the sweetest and sim
plest of maidens ; but in her is the life of all
wronged and suffering womanhood.
The realism which is delightful in the pictures
of little women and merry boys is painful when
connected with passions so morbid and lives so far
removed from joy and sanity. As in her early
dramas and sensational stories, we do not find
Louisa Alcott's own broad, generous, healthy life,
or that which lay around her, in this book, but the
reminiscences of her reading, which she had striven
to make her own by invention and fancy.
This note refers to "A Modern Mephistoph
eles " : —
294 Lotiisa May Alcott.
[1877-]
DEAR MR. NILES, — I had to keep the proof longer
than I meant because a funeral came in the way.
The book as last sent is lovely, and much bigger than
I expected.
Poor " Marmee," ill in bed, hugged it, and said, " It
is perfect ! only I do wish your name could be on it."
She is very proud of it ; and tender-hearted Anna weeps
and broods over it, calling Gladys the best and sweetest
character I ever did. So much for home opinion ; now
let 's see what the public will say.
May clamors for it ; but I don't want to send this till
she has had one or two of the others. Have you sent
her "Is That All?" If not, please do; then it won't
look suspicious to send only " M. M."
I am so glad the job is done, and hope it won't dis
grace the series. Is not another to come before this?
I hope so ; for many people suspect what is up, and I
could tell my fibs about No. 6 better if it was not mine.
Thanks for the trouble you have taken to keep the
secret. Now the fun will begin.
Yours truly, L. M. A.
P. S. — Bean's expressman grins when he hands in the
daily parcel. He is a Concord man.
By Louisa's help the younger sister again went
abroad in 1876; and her bright affectionate letters
cheered the little household, much saddened by
the mother's illness.
Journal.
January, 1876. — Helped Mrs. Croly receive two
hundred gentlemen.
A letter from Baron Tauchnitz asking leave to put my
Family Changes. 295
book in his foreign library, and sending 600 marks to
pay for it. Said, " Yes, thank you, Baron."
Went to Philadelphia to see Cousin J. May installed
in Dr. Furness's pulpit. Dull place is Philadelphia.
Heard Beecher preach; did not like him. . . .
Went home on the 2ist, finding I could not work
here. Soon tire of being a fine lady.
February and March. — Took a room in B., and fell
to work on short tales for F. T. N. wanted a centennial
story ; but my frivolous New York life left me no ideas.
Went to Centennial Ball at Music Hall, and got an idea.
Wrote a tale of " '76," which with others will make a
catchpenny book. Mother poorly, so I go home to nurse
her.
April, May, and June. — Mother better. Nan and
boys go to P. farm. May and I clean the old house.
It seems as if the dust of two centuries haunted the
ancient mansion, and came out spring and fall in a ghostly
way for us to clear up.
Great freshets and trouble.
Exposition in Philadelphia ; don't care to go. America
ought to pay her debts before she gives parties. " Silver
Pitchers," etc., comes out, and goes well. Poor stuff;
but the mill must keep on grinding even chaff.
June. — Lovely month ! Keep hotel and wait on
Marmee.
Try to get up steam for a new serial, as Mrs. Dodge
wants one, and Scribner offers $3,000 for it. Roberts
Brothers want a novel ; and the various newspapers and
magazines clamor for tales. My brain is squeezed dry,
and I can only wait for help.
July, August. — Get an idea and start " Rose in Bloom,"
though I hate sequels.
September. — On the pth my dear girl sails in the
296 Louisa May Alcott.
" China "for a year in London or Paris. God be with
her ! She has done her distasteful duty faithfully, and
deserved a reward. She cannot find the help she needs
here, and is happy and busy in her own world over there.
[She never came home. — L. M. A.]
Finish " Rose."
November. — " Rose " comes out ; sells well.
. . . Forty-four years old. My new task gets on
slowly ; but I keep at it, and can be a prop, if not an
angel, in the house, as Nan is.
December. — Miss P. sends us a pretty oil sketch of
May, — so like the dear soul in her violet wrapper, with
yellow curls piled up, and the long hand at work. Mother
delights in it.
She (M.) is doing finely, and says, " I am getting on,
and I feel as if it was not all a mistake ; for I have some
talent, and will prove it." Modesty is a sign of genius,
and I think our girl has both. The money I invest in her
pays the sort of interest I like. I am proud to have her
show what she can do, and have her depend upon no
one but me. Success to little Raphael ! My dull winter
is much cheered by her happiness and success.
January, February, 1877. — The year begins well.
Nan keeps house ; boys fine, tall lads, good and gay ;
Father busy with his new book ; Mother cosey with her
sewing, letters, Johnson, and success of her " girls."
Went for some weeks to the Bellevue, and wrote " A
Modern Mephistopheles " for the No Name Series. It
has been simmering ever since I read Faust last year.
Enjoyed doing it, being tired of providing moral pap for
the young. Long to write a novel, but cannot get time
enough.
Family Changes. 297
May's letters our delight. She is so in earnest she
will not stop for pleasure, rest, or society, but works away
like a Trojan. Her work admired by masters and mates
for its vigor and character.
March. — Begin to think of buying the Thoreau place
for Nan. The $4,000 received from the Vt. and Eastern
R. Rs. must be invested, and she wants a home of her
own, now the lads are growing up.
Mother can be with her in the winter for a change, and
leave me free to write in B. Concord has no inspiration
for me.
April. — May, at the request of her teacher, M. Muller,
sends a study of still life to the Salon. The little picture
is accepted, well hung, and praised by the judges. Nc
friend at court, and the modest work stood on its own
merits. She is very proud to see her six months' hard
work bear fruit. A happy girl, and all say she deserves
the honor.
" M. M." appears and causes much guessing. It is
praised and criticised, and I enjoy the fun, especially
when friends say, " I know you did n't write it, for you
can't hide your peculiar style."
Help to buy the house for Nan, — $4,500. So she has
her wish, and is happy. When shall I have mine?
Ought to be contented with knowing I help both sisters
by my brains. But I 'm selfish, and want to go away and
rest in Europe. Never shall.
May, June. — Quiet days keeping house and attending
to Marmee, who grows more and more feeble. Helped
Nan get ready for her new home.
Felt very well, and began to hope I had outlived the
neuralgic worries and nervous woes born of the hospital
fever and the hard years following.
May living alone in Paris, while her mates go jaunting,
298 Louisa May Alcott.
— a solitary life ; but she is so busy she is happy and
safe. A good angel watches over her. Take pleasant
drives early in the A. M. with Marmee. She takes her
comfort in a basket wagon, and we drive to the woods,
picking flowers and stopping where we like. It keeps
her young, and rests her weary nerves.
July. — Got too tired, and was laid up for some weeks.
A curious time, lying quite happily at rest, wondering
what was to come next.
August. — As soon as able began "Under the Lilacs,"
but could not do much.
Mrs. Alcott grew rapidly worse, and her devoted
daughter recognized that the final parting was near.
As Louisa watched by the bedside she wrote " My
Girls," and finished " Under the Lilacs."
The journal tells the story of the last days of
watching, and of the peaceful close of the mother's
self-sacrificing yet blessed life. Louisa was very
brave in the presence of death. She had no dark
thoughts connected with it; and in her mother's
case, after her long, hard life, she recognized how
" growing age longed for its peaceful sleep."
The tie between this mother and daughter was
exceptionally strong and tender. The mother saw
all her own fine powers reproduced and developed
in her daughter; and if she also recognized the
passionate energy which had been the strength and
the bane of her own life, it gave her only a more
constant watchfulness to save her child from the
struggles and regrets from which she had suffered
herself.
Family Changes. 299
Journal.
September, 1877. — On the 7th Marmee had a very ill
turn, and the doctor told me it was the beginning of the
end. [Water on the chest.] She was so ill we sent for
Father from Walcott ; and I forgot myself in taking care
of poor Ma'rmee, who suffered much and longed to go.
As I watched with her I wrote " My Girls," to go with
other tales in a new " Scrap Bag," and finished " Under
the Lilacs." I foresaw a busy or a sick winter, and wanted
to finish while I could, so keeping my promise and earn
ing my $3,000.
Brain very lively and pen flew. It always takes an
exigency to spur me up and wring out a book. Never
have time to go slowly and do my best.
October. — Fearing I might give out, got a nurse and
rested a little, so that when the last hard days come I
might not fail Marmee, who says, " Stay by, Louy, and
help me if I suffer too much." I promised, and watched
her sit panting life away day after day. We thought she
would not outlive her seventy-seventh birthday, but,
thanks to Dr. W. and homoeopathy, she got relief, and we
had a sad little celebration, well knowing it would be the
last. Aunt B. and L. W. came up, and with fruit, flowers,
smiling faces, and full hearts, we sat round the brave
soul who faced death so calmly and was ready to go.
I overdid and was very ill, — in danger of my life for a
week, — and feared to go before Marmee. But pulled
through, and got up slowly to help her die. A strange
month.
November. — Still feeble, and Mother failing fast. On
the 1 4th we were both moved to Anna's at Mother's
earnest wish.
A week in the new home, and then she ceased to care
30O Louisa May Alcott.
for anything. Kept her bed for three days, lying down
after weeks in a chair, and on the 25th, at dusk, that
rainy Sunday, fell quietly asleep in my arms.
She was very happy all day, thinking herself a girl
again, with parents and sisters round her. Said her Sun
day hymn to me, whom she called " Mother," and smiled
at us, saying, "A smile is as good as a prayer." Looked
often at the little picture of May, and waved her hand to
it, " Good-by, little May, good-by ! "
Her last words to Father were, " You are laying a very
soft pillow for me to go to sleep on."
We feared great suffering, but she was spared that, and
slipped peacefully away. I was so glad when the last
weary breath was drawn, and silence came, with its rest
and peace.
On the 27th it was necessary to bury her, and we took
her quietly away to Sleepy Hollow. A hard day, but the
last duty we could do for her ; and there we left her at
sunset beside dear Lizzie's dust, — alone so long.
On the 28th a memorial service, and all the friends at
Anna's, — Dr. Bartol and Mr. Foote of Stone Chapel. A
simple, cheerful service, as she would have liked it.
Quiet days afterward resting in her rest.
My duty is done, and now I shall be glad to follow
her.
December. — Many kind letters from all who best knew
and loved the noble woman.
I never wish her back, but a great warmth seems gone
out of life, and there is no motive to go on now.
My only comfort is that I could make her last years
comfortable, and lift off the burden she had carried so
bravely all these years. She was so loyal, tender, and
true ; life was hard for her, and no one understood all she
had to bear but we, her children. I think I shall soon
Family Changes. 301
follow her, and am quite ready to go now she no longei
needs me.
January, 1878. — An idle month at Nan's, for I can
only suffer.
Father goes about, being restless with his anchor gone.
Dear Nan is house-mother now, — so patient, so thought
ful and tender ; I need nothing but that cherishing which
only mothers can give.
May busy in London. Very sad about Marmee ; but
it was best not to send for her, and Marmee forbade it,
and she has some very tender friends near her.
February. — ... Wrote some lines on Marmee.
To Mrs. Dodge.
CONCORD, June 3 [1877].
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — The tale x goes slowly owing to
interruptions, for summer is a busy time, and I get few
quiet days. Twelve chapters are done, but are short
ones, and so will make about six or seven numbers in
« St. Nicholas."
I will leave them divided in this way that you may put
in as many as you please each month ; for trying to suit
the magazine hurts the story in its book form, though
this way does no harm to the monthly parts, I think.
I will send you the first few chapters during the week
for Mrs. Foote, and with them the schedule you sug
gest, so that my infants may not be drawn with whiskers,
and my big boys and girls in pinafores, as in " Eight
Cousins."
I hope the new baby won't be set aside too soon for
my illustrations ; but I do feel a natural wish to have one
story prettily adorned with good pictures, as hitherto ar
tists have much afflicted me.
1 Under the Lilacs.
302 Louisa May Alcotf.
I am daily waiting with anxiety for an illumination of
some sort, as my plot is very vague so far ; and though I
don't approve of " sensations " in children's books, one
must have a certain thread on which to string the small
events which make up the true sort of child-life.
I intend to go and simmer an afternoon at Van Am-
burg's great show, that I may get hints for the further
embellishment of Ben and his dog. I have also put in
a poem by F. B. S.'s small son,1 and that hit will give
Mrs. Foote a good scene with the six-year-old poet re
citing his verses under the lilacs.
I shall expect the small tots to be unusually good,
since the artist has a live model to study from. Please
present my congratulations to the happy mamma and
Mr. Foote, Jr.
Yours warmly,
L. M. A.
AUGUST 21, 1879.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — I have not been able to do
anything on the serial. . . . But after a week at the
seaside, to get braced up for work, I intend to begin.
The Revolutionary tale does not seem to possess me. I
have casually asked many of my young folks, when they
demand a new story, which they would like, one of that
sort or the old " Eight Cousin " style, and they all say
the latter. It would be much the easier to do, as I have
a beginning and a plan all ready, — a village, and the
affairs of a party of children. We have many little ro
mances going on among the Concord boys and girls,
and all sorts of queer things, which will work into ''Jack
and Jill " nicely. Mrs. Croly has been anxious for a
story, and I am trying to do a short one, as I told her
1 Under the Lilacs, page 78.
Family Changes. 303
you had the refusal of my next serial. I hope you will
not be very much disappointed about the old-time tale.
It would take study to do it well, and leisure is just what
I have not got, and I shall never have, I fear, when writ
ing is to be done. I will send you a few chapters of
" Jack and Jill " when in order, if you like, and you can
decide if they will suit. I shall try to have it unlike the
others if possible, but the dears will cling to the " Little
Women" style.
I have had a very busy summer, but have been pretty
well, and able to do my part in entertaining the four
hundred philosophers.
Yours truly,
L. M. A.
SEPTEMBER 17 [1879].
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — . . Don't let me prose. If I
seem to be declining and falling into it, pull me up, and
I '11 try to prance as of old. Years tame down one's spirit
and fancy, though they only deepen one's love for the
little people, and strengthen the desire to serve them
wisely as well as cheerfully. Fathers and mothers tell
me they use my books as helps for themselves ; so now
and then I like to slip in a page for them, fresh from the
experience of some other parent, for education seems to
me to be the problem in our times.
Jack and Jill are right out of our own little circle,
and the boys and girls are in a twitter to know what is
going in ; so it will be a " truly story " in the main.
Such a long note for a busy woman to read ! but your
cheery word was my best " starter ; " and I 'm, more than
ever,
Yours truly,
L. M. A.
304 Louisa May Alcott.
MAY ALCOTT NIERIKER.
Born at Concord, July, 1840. Died in Paris, December, 1879.
This younger sister became so dear to Louisa,
and through the legacy which she left to her of
an infant child, exercised so great an influence
over the last ten years of her life, that it will not
be uninteresting to trace out the course of her life
and the development of her character. May was
born before the experiments at Fruitlands, and her
childhood passed during the period when the for
tunes of the family were at the lowest ebb ; but
she was too young to feel in all their fulness the
cares which weighed upon the older sisters. Her
oldest sister — the affectionate, practical Anna —
almost adopted May as her own baby, and gave her
a great deal of the attention and care which the
mother had not time for amid her numerous avo
cations. The child clung to Anna with trust and
affection ; but with her quick fancy and lively
spirit, she admired the brilliant qualities of Louisa.
Hasty in temperament, quick and impulsive in ac
tion, she quarrelled with Louisa while she adored
her, and was impatient with her rebukes, which yet
had great influence over her. She had a more
facile nature than the other sisters, and a natural,
girlish love of attention, and a romantic fondness
for beauty in person and style in living. Graceful
in figure and manners, with a fine complexion,
blue eyes, and a profusion of light wavy hair, she
was attractive in appearance ; and a childish frank
ness, and acceptance of sympathy or criticism,
Family Changes. 305
disarmed those who were disposed to find fault
with her.
May is very truly described in " Little Women,"
and her character is painted with a discerning but
loving hand : " A regular snow maiden, with blue
eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale
and slender, and always carrying herself like a
young lady mindful of her manners." Many little
touches of description show the consciousness of
appearance and love of admiration which she inno
cently betrayed, and illustrate the relation of the
sisters : " ' Don't stop to quirk your little finger
and prink over your plate, Amy,' cried Jo." Her
mother says of this daughter in her diary: "She
does all things well ; her capabilities are much in
her eyes and fingers. When a child, I observed
with what ease and grace she did little things."
According to Louisa, " If anybody had asked
Amy what the greatest trial of her life was, she
would have answered at once, ' My nose.' No one
minded it but herself, and it was doing its best to
grow ; but Amy felt deeply the want of a Grecian
nose, and drew whole sheets of handsome ones to
console herself." " Little Raphael," as the sisters
called her, very early developed a love and talent
for drawing which became the delight of her life.
She covered her books with sketches, but managed
to escape reprimand by being a model of deport
ment. Always having in her mind an ideal of
elegant life, the many little trials of their times of
poverty were of course severe mortifications to her ;
and the necessity of wearing dresses which came
to her from others, and which were ugly in them-
306 Louisa May Alcott.
selves or out of harmony with her own appear
ance, caused her much affliction. She was always
generous and easily reconciled after a quarrel, and
was a favorite with her companions, and the hero
ine of those innocent little love episodes which,
as Tennyson says, —
" Are but embassies of love
To tamper with the feelings, ere he found
Empire for life." 1
While May was too young to take the part in
the support of the family which fell to Anna and
Louisa, she was yet a blessing and comfort by her
kind, bright nature. After the death of Elizabeth
in 1858, her mother speaks of " turning to the little
May for comfort," and her father's letters show how
dear she was to him, although she never entered
into his intellectual life.
May shared in the blessing of Louisa's first suc
cess, for she went to the School of Design in 1859
for the lessons in her art, for which she longed so
eagerly. In 1860 an old friend sent her thirty
dollars for lessons in drawing, and she had the
best instruction she could then receive in Boston.
In 1863, Louisa procured for her the great ad
vantage of study with Dr. Rimmer, who was then
giving his precious lessons in art anatomy in Bos-
ton. Under his instructions, May gave some at
tention to modelling, and completed an ideal bust.
Although she did not pursue this branch of art, it
was undoubtedly of great service in giving her
more thorough knowledge of the head, and a
1 Gardener's Daughter.
Family Changes. 307
bolder and firmer style of drawing than she would
have gained in any other way.
As will be seen from Louisa's journal, May was
frequently with her in Boston, engaged in studying
or teaching. By the kindness of a friend, she went
to Europe in 1870, when Louisa accompanied her.
Louisa sent her to Europe for a year of study in
1873, and again in 1877. In London and Paris she
had good opportunities for study, and improved
rapidly in her art. She made some admirable
copies from Turner which attracted the attention
of Ruskin ; and a picture from still life was accepted
at the Paris Salon, which event gave great happi
ness to the family circle and friends at home.
May was very generous in giving to others help
in the art she loved. While at home, in the inter
vals of her studies in Europe, she tried to form an
art centre in Concord, and freely gave her time,
her instruction, and the use of her studio to young
artists. She wrote a little book to aid them in
prosecuting their studies abroad, called " Studying
Art Abroad, and How to do it Cheaply."
Like the rest of the family, May composed with
great ease, and sometimes wrote little stories. Her
letters are very sprightly and agreeable.
While residing in London, May had become
acquainted with a young Swiss gentleman, whose
refined and artistic tastes were closely in unison
with her own. During the sad days of bereave
ment caused by her mother's death he was a kind
and sympathetic friend, soothing her grief and
cheering her solitude by his music. Thus, fre
quently together, their friendship became love, and
308 Louisa May Alcott.
they were betrothed. The course of this true love,
which for a time ran swiftly and smoothly, is most
exquisitely depicted in May's letters to her family.
The charming pictures of herself and her young
lover are so like Amy and her Laurie in his hap
piest moods, that we almost feel as if Miss Alcott
had been prophetic in her treatment of these char
acters in " Little Women."
I wish I could give her own natural, frank ac
count of this event. May had the secret of per
petual youth, at least in spirit; and in reading her
letters, one has no consciousness that more than
thirty years had passed over her head, for they had
taken no drop of freshness from her heart.
The union of this happy pair was not a surprise
to the friends at home, who had read May's heart,
revealed in her frank, innocent letters, more clearly
than she had supposed. When the claims of busi
ness called Mr. Nieriker from London, the hearts
of the young couple quailed before the idea of
separation, and they decided to be married at
once, and go together. The simple ceremony was
performed in London, March 22, 1878; and May
started on her journey, no longer alone, but with a
loving friend by her side.
May's letters are full of the most artless joy in
her new life. The old days of struggle and penury
are gone ; the heart-loneliness is no more ; the
world is beautiful, and everybody loving and kind.
Life in the modest French home is an idyllic
dream, and she writes to her sisters of every detail
of her household. The return of her husband at
sunset is a feast, and the evening is delightful with
Family Changes. 309
poetry and music. Her blue dress, her crimson
furniture, satisfy her artistic sense. She does not
neglect her art, but paints with fresh inspiration,
and waits for his criticism and praise. She says,
" He is very ambitious for my artistic success, and
is my most severe critic." In the morning she
finds her easel set out for her, a fire burning ready
for her comfort, and her husband in the big arm
chair waiting to read to her, or to take his violin
and pose for his picture in gray velvet paletot and
red slippers.1
For the time conjugal love is all sufficient, and
May wonders at herself that the happiness of the
moment can so drown every remembrance of sor
row. Yet a pathetic note is occasionally heard, as
she mourns for the mother who is gone, or yearns
for the sister who has been such a strength to her
through life. The picturesqueness and ease of
French life make America look stupid and forlorn,
and she has no wish to go home, but only to have
her dear ones share in her happiness. Her work
in art was successful ; and the money she received
for it was not unacceptable, although her husband's
income sufficed for their modest wants. She was
justified in her grateful feeling that she was singu
larly blessed. Her husband's family were German-
Swiss of high standing, artistic temperament, and
warm affections. His mother and sister came to
visit them, and took May to their hearts with
cordial love.
Among the pictures painted by May at this time
the most remarkable is the portrait of a negro girl,
1 This interesting picture is in the possession of her sister.
3io , Louisa May Alcott.
which is a very faithful study from life, and gives
the color and characteristic traits of a beautiful
negro without exaggeration. The expression of
the eyes is tender and pathetic, well-suited to the
fate of a slave girl. Such earnest study would have
borne richer fruit if longer life had been hers.
May's own nature seems to have blossomed out
like a flower in this sunny climate. In her youth
at home she was impulsive, affectionate, and gener
ous, but quick in temper and sometimes exacting;
but the whole impression she made upon her hus
band and his family was of grace and sweetness,
and she herself declares that her sisters at home
would not recognize her, she has " become so sweet
in this atmosphere of happiness."
We would gladly linger over these records of a
paradisiacal home where Adam and Eve renewed
their innocent loves and happy labors. When
musing over the sorrows of humanity it refreshes
us to know that such joy is possible, and needs
only love and simple hearts to make it real.
May's note of happiness is touchingly echoed
from the heart of her bereaved father, who recalls
the days of his own courtship. He cherished every
tender word from her ; and the respectful and lov
ing words of his new son, to whom he responds
affectionately, were like balm to his stricken heart.
May's joy was heightened by the expectation of
motherhood. Her health was excellent, and she
had the loving care of her new mother and sister.
The anxious family at home received the news of
the birth of a daughter with heartfelt delight. It
Teat disappointment to Louisa that she
Family Changes. 311
could not be with her sister at this time ; but her
health was not equal to the voyage, and she felt
that May had most loving and sufficient care. An
American friend in Paris kindly wrote to Louisa
full details of the little niece and of the mother's
condition. " It is difficult," she says, " to say which
of that happy household is the proudest over that
squirming bit of humanity."
For about two weeks all seemed well ; but alarm
ing symptoms began to appear, and the mother's
strength failed rapidly. The brain was the seat
of disease ; and she was generally unconscious, al
though she had intervals of apparent improvement,
when she recognized her friends. She passed away
peacefully December 29, 1879.
An American clergyman in Paris took charge of
the funeral service, which according to May's ex
pressed desire was very simple, and she was laid
in the tranquil cemetery of Montrouge outside of
the fortifications.
Foreseeing the possibility of a fatal termination
to her illness, May had made every preparation for
the event, and obtained a promise from her sister-
in-law that she would carry the baby to Louisa to
receive the devoted care that she knew would be
given it. The child became a source of great
comfort to Miss Alcott as will be seen from the
journals. After her death Mr. Nieriker visited his
little girl in America, and in June, 1889, her aunt
took her to his home in Zurich, Switzerland.
Before the sad letters describing May's illness
could reach America, came the cable message of
her death. It was sent to Mr. Emerson, the never
312 Louisa May Alcott.
failing friend of the family, who bore it to Louisa,
her father being temporarily absent. His thought-
fulness softened the blow as much as human ten
derness could, but still it fell with crushing weight
upon them all.
The father and sister could not sleep, and in the
watches of the night he wrote that touching ode,
the cry of paternal love and grief entitled " Love's
Morrow."
To Mrs. Bond.
CONCORD, Jan. i, 1880.
DEAR AUNTIE, — It is hard to add one more sorrow
to your already full heart, particularly one of this sort,
but I did not want you to hear it from any one but us.
Dear May is dead. Gone to begin the new year with
Mother, in a world where I hope there is no grief like this.
Gone just when she seemed safest and happiest, after
nearly two years of such sweet satisfaction and love that
she wrote us, " If I die when baby comes, remember I
have been so unspeakably happy for a year that I ought
to be content ..."
And it is all over. The good mother and sister have
done everything in the most devoted way. We can
never repay them. My May gave me her little Lulu, and
in the spring I hope to get my sweet legacy. Meantime
the dear grandma takes her to a home full of loving
friends and she is safe. I will write more when we know,
but the cruel sea divides us and we must wait.
Bless you dear Auntie for all your love for May; she
never forgot it, nor do we.
Yours ever,
LOUISA.
Family Changes. 313
JANUARY 4.
DEAR AUNTIE, — I have little further news to tell, but
it seems to comfort me to answer the shower of tender
sympathetic letters that each mail brings us. ...
So we must wait to learn how the end came at last,
where the dear dust is to lie, and how soon the desolate
little home is to be broken up. It only remains for
May's baby to be taken away to fill our cup to overflowing.
But perhaps it would be best so, for even in Heaven
with Mother, I know May will yearn for the darling so
ardently desired, so tenderly welcomed, bought at such
a price.
In all the troubles of my life I never had one so hard
to bear, for the sudden fall from such high happiness to
such a depth of sorrow finds me unprepared to accept or
bear it as I ought.
Sometime I shall know why such things are ; till then
must try to trust and wait and hope as you do. ... Sor
row has its lonely side, and sympathy is so sweet it takes
half its bitterness away.
Yours ever, L.
After May's marriage and death Louisa remained
awhile in Concord, trying to forget her grief in care
for others. She went to the prison in Concord,
and told a story to the prisoners which touched
their hearts, and was long remembered by some of
them.
She wrote some short stories for " St. Nicholas,"
among them "Jimmy's Cruise in the Pinafore,"
called out by the acting of the popular opera of
that name by a juvenile troupe.
She spent some weeks at Willow Cottage, Mag
nolia, which she has described in her popular story
3 14 Louisa May Alcott.
of " Jack and Jill." The scene of the story is
mostly laid in Concord, or " Harmony " as she
calls it, and she has introduced many familiar
scenes and persons into the book.
This summer, too, the long-dreamed of School
of Philosophy was established. The opening of the
School was a great event to Mr. Alcott, as it was
the realization of the dream of years. Louisa en
joyed his gratification, and took pains to help him
to reap full satisfaction from it. She carried flowers
to grace the opening meeting, and was friendly to
his guests. She occasionally attended lectures
given by her friends, — Dr. Bartol, Mrs. Howe, and
others, — and she could not fail to enjoy meeting
many of the bright people who congregated there ;
but she did not care for the speculative philosophy.
Her keen sense of humor led her to see all that
was incongruous or funny or simply novel in the
bearing of the philosophers. She felt that her
father had too much of the trying details, and per
haps did not appreciate how much joy of recogni
tion it brought him. She had not much faith in
the practical success of the experiment. Philoso
phy was much associated in her mind with early
poverty and suffering, and she did not feel its
charms. She was usually at the seashore at this
season, as she suffered from the heat at Concord.
Frequent allusions to the school appear in her
journal. The following anecdote is given by a
friend.
" It was at Concord on Emerson day. After a
morning with Bartol and Alcott and Mrs. Howe, I
lunched with the Alcotts', who had for guest the
Family Changes. 315
venerable Dr. McCosh. Naturally the conversa
tion turned on the events of the morning. ' I was
thinking,' said the Doctor, * as I looked among
your audience, that there were no young men ;
and that with none but old men your school would
soon die with them. By the way, madam,' he con
tinued, addressing Miss Alcott, 'will you tell me
what is your definition of a philosopher?'
" The reply came instantly, ' My definition is of
a man up in a balloon, with his family and friends
holding the ropes which confine him to earth and
trying to haul him down.'
" The laugh which followed this reply was
heartily joined in by the philosopher himself."
Journal.
March, 1878. — A happy event, — May's marriage to
Ernest Nieriker, the " tender friend " who has consoled
her for Marmee's loss, as John consoled Nan for Beth's.
He is a Swiss, handsome, cultivated, and good ; an ex
cellent family living in Baden, and E. has a good business.
May is old enough to choose for herself, and seems so
happy in the new relation that we have nothing to say
against it.
They were privately married on the 22d, and went to
Havre for the honeymoon, as E. had business in France j
so they hurried the wedding. Send her $1,000 as a gift,
and all good wishes for the new life.
April. — Happy letters from May, who is enjoying life
as one can but once. E. writes finely to Father, and is
a son to welcome I am sure. May sketches and E. at
tends to his business by day, and both revel in music in
the evening, as E. is a fine violin player.
3i6 Louisa May Alcott.
How different our lives are just now ! — I so lonely,
sad, and sick ; she so happy, well, and blest. She al
ways had the cream of things, and deserved it. My
time is yet to come somewhere else, when I am ready
for it.
Anna clears out the old house ; for we shall never go
back to it ; it ceased to be " home " when Marmee left it.
I dawdle about, and wait to see if I am to live or die.
If I live, it is for some new work. I wonder what?
May. — Begin to drive a little, and enjoy the spring.
Nature is always good to me.
May settles in her own house at Meudon, — a pretty
apartment, with balcony, garden, etc. ... I plan and
hope to go to them, if I am ever well enough, and find
new inspiration in a new life. May and E. urge it, and I
long to go, but cannot risk the voyage yet. I doubt if I
ever find time to lead my own life, or health to try it.
June and July. — Improving fast, in spite of dark
predictions and forebodings. The Lord has more work
for me, so I am spared.
Tried to write a memoir of Marmee ; but it is too
soon, and I am not well enough.
May has had the new mother and brother-in-law with
her, and finds them most interesting and lovable. They
seem very proud of her, and happy in her happiness.
Bright times for our youngest ! May they last !
[They did. — L. M. A.]
Got nicely ready to go to May in September ; but at
the last moment gave it up, fearing to undo all the good
this weary year of ease has done for me, and be a bur
den on her. A great disappointment ; but I 've learned
to wait. I long to see her happy in her own home.
Family Changes. 317
Nan breaks her leg ; so it is well I stayed, as there
was no one to take her place but me. Always a little
chore to be done.
October, November. — Nan improved. Rode, nursed,
kept house, and tried to be contented, but was not.
Make no plans for myself now ; do what I can, and
should be glad not to have to sit idle any longer.
On the 8th, Marmee's birthday, Father and I went to
Sleepy Hollow with red leaves and flowers for her. A
cold, dull day, and I was glad there was no winter for
her any more.
November 25^. — A year since our beloved Marmee
died. A very eventful year. May marries, I live instead
of dying, Father comes to honor in his old age, and Nan
makes her home our refuge when we need one.
December. — A busy time. Nan gets about again. I
am so well I wonder at myself, and ask no more.
Write a tale for the " Independent," and begin on an
art novel, with May's romance for its thread. Went to
B. for some weeks, and looked about to see what I
could venture to do. . . .
So ends 1878, — a great contrast to last December.
Then I thought I was done with life ; now I can enjoy
a good deal, and wait to see what I am spared to do.
Thank God for both the sorrow and the joy.
January, 1879. — At tne Bellevue in my little room
writing.
Got two books well started, but had too many inter
ruptions to do much, and dared not get into a vortex for
fear of a break- down.
Went about and saw people, and tried to be jolly.
Did Jarley for a fair, also for Authors' Carnival at Music
Hall. A queer time ; too old for such pranks. A sad
heart and a used-up body make play hard work, I find.
318 Louisa May Alcott.
Read "Mary Wollstonecraft," " Dosia," " Danieli,"
"Helene," etc. I like Grille's books.
Invest $ 1,000 for Fred's schooling, etc. Johnny has
his $1,000 also safely in the bank for his education and
any emergency.
February. — Home to Concord rather used up. Find
a very quiet life is best ; for in B. people beset me to do
things, and I try, and get so tired I cannot work. Dr. C.
says rest is my salvation ; so I rest. Hope for Paris in
the spring, as May begs me to come. She is leading
what she calls " an ideal life," — painting, music, love,
and the world shut out. People wonder and gossip ; but
M. and E. laugh and are happy. Wise people to enjoy
this lovely time !
Went to a dinner, at the Revere House, of the Papyrus
Club. Mrs. Burnett and Miss A. were guests of honor.
Dr. Holmes took me in, and to my surprise I found my
self at the president's right hand, with Mrs. B., Holmes,
Stedman, and the great ones of the land. Had a gay
time. Dr. H. very gallant. " Little Women " often
toasted with more praise than was good for me.
Saw Mrs. B. at a lunch, and took her and Mrs. M. M.
Dodge to Concord for a lunch. Most agreeable women.
A visit at H. W.'s. Mission time at Church of the
Advent. Father Knox-Little preached, and waked up
the sinners. H. hoped to convert me, and took me to
see Father K.-L., a very interesting man, and we had a
pleasant talk ; but I found that we meant the same thing,
though called by different names ; and his religion had
too much ceremony about it to suit me. So he gave me
his blessing, and promised to send me some books.
[Never did. — L. M. A.]
Pleasant times with my " rainy-day friend," as I call
Dr. W. She is a great comfort to me, with her healthy
Family Changes. 319
common-sense and tender patience, aside from skill as a
doctor and beauty as a woman. I love her much, and
she does me good.
Happy letters from May. Her hopes of a little son or
daughter in the autumn give us new plans to talk over.
I must be well enough to go to her then.
April. — Very poorly and cross ; so tired of being a
prisoner to pain. Long for the old strength when I
could do what I liked, and never knew I had a body.
Life not worth living in this way ; but having over
worked the wonderful machine, I must pay for it, and
should not growl, I suppose, as it is just.
To B. to see Dr. S. Told me I was better than she
ever dreamed I could be, and need not worry. So took
heart, and tried to be cheerful, in spite of aches and
nerves. Warm weather comforted me, and green grass
did me good.
Put a fence round A.'s garden. Bought a phaeton, so
I might drive, as I cannot walk much, and Father loves
to take his guests about.
May and June. — Go to B. for a week, but don't
enjoy seeing people. Do errands, and go home again.
Saw " Pinafore ; " a pretty play.
Much company.
E.'s looked at the Orchard House and liked it ; will
hire it, probably. Hope so, as it is forlorn standing
empty. I never go by without looking up at Marmee's
window, where the dear face used to be, and May's, with
the picturesque vines round it. No golden-haired, blue-
gowned Diana ever appears now; she sits happily sew
ing baby-clothes in Paris. Enjoyed fitting out a box of
dainty things to send her. Even lonely old spinsters take
an interest in babies.
320 Louisa May Alcott.
June. — A poor month. Try to forget my own wor
ries, and enjoy the fine weather, my little carriage, and
good friends. Souls are such slaves to bodies it is hard
to keep up out of the slough of despond when nerves
jangle and flesh aches.
Went with Father on Sunday to the prison, and told
the men a story. Thought I could not face four hun
dred at first ; but after looking at them during the ser
mon, I felt that I could at least amuse them, and they
evidently needed something new. So I told a hospital
story with a little moral to it, and was so interested in
watching the faces of some young men near me, who
drank in every word, that I forgot myself, and talked
away "like a mother." One put his head down, and
another winked hard, so I felt that I had caught them ;
for even one tear in that dry, hard place would do
them good. Miss McC. and Father said it was well
done, and I felt quite proud of my first speech. [Sequel
later.]
July. — Wrote a little tale called "Jimmy's Cruise in
the Pinafore," for " St. Nicholas ; " $100.
i4/ft. — The philosophers begin to swarm, and the buzz
starts to-morrow. How much honey will be made is still
doubtful, but the hive is ready and drones also.
On the 1 5th, the School of Philosophy began in the
study at Orchard House, — thirty students; Father, the
dean. He has his dream realized at last, and is in glory,
with plenty of talk to swim in. People laugh, but will
enjoy something new in this dull old town ; and the fresh
Westerners will show them that all the culture of the
world is not in Concord. I had a private laugh when
Mrs. asked one of the new-comers, with her supe
rior air, if she had ever looked into Plato. And the
modest lady from Jacksonville answered, with a twinkle
Family Changes. 321
at me, "We have been reading Plato in Greek for the
past six years." Mrs. subsided after that.
[Oh, wicked L. M. A., who hates sham and loves a joke.
— L. M. A.]
Was the first woman to register my name as a voter.
August. — To B. with a new " Scrap Bag." " Jimmy "
to the fore. Wrote a little tale.
The town swarms with budding philosophers, and they
roost on our steps like hens waiting for corn. Father
revels in it, so we keep the hotel going, and try to look
as if we liked it. If they were philanthropists, I should
enjoy it ; but speculation seems a waste of time when
there is so much real work crying to be done. Why
discuss the "unknowable " till our poor are fed and the
wicked saved?
A young poet from New York came ; nice boy.
Sixteen callers to-day. Trying to stir up the women
about suffrage ; so timid and slow.
Happy letters from May. Sophie N. is with her now.
All well in the Paris nest.
Passed a week in Magnolia with Mrs. H. School
ended for this year. Hallelujah !
September. — Home from the seaside refreshed, and go
to work on a new serial for " St. Nicholas," — "Jack and
Jill." Have no plan yet but a boy, a girl, and a sled, with
an upset to start with. Vague idea of working in Concord
young folks and their doings. After two years of rest, I
am going to try again ; it is so easy to make money now,
and so pleasant to have it to give. A chapter a day is
my task, and not that if I feel tired. No more fourteen
hours a day ; make haste slowly now.
Drove about and drummed up women to my suffrage
meeting. So hard to move people out of the old ruts.
322 Louisa May Alcott.
I have n't patience enough ; if they won't see and work,
I let 'em alone, and steam along my own way.
May sent some nice little letters of an " Artist's Holi
day," and I had them printed ; also a book for artists
abroad, — very useful, and well done.
Eight chapters done. Too much company for work.
October 8//i. — Dear Marmee's birthday. Never for
gotten. Lovely day. Go to Sleepy Hollow with flowers.
Her grave is green ; blackberry vines with red leaves
trail over it. A little white stone with her initials is at
the head, and among the tall grass over her breast a little
bird had made a nest ; empty now, but a pretty symbol
of the refuge that tender bosom always was for all feeble
and sweet things. Her favorite asters bloomed all about,
and the pines sang overhead. So she and dear Beth are
quietly asleep in God's acre, and we remember them
more tenderly with each year that brings us nearer them
and home.
Went with Dr. W. to the Woman's Prison, at Sher-
burne. A lovely drive, and very remarkable day and
night. Read a story to the four hundred women, and
heard many interesting tales. A much better place than
Concord Prison, with its armed wardens, and "knock
down and drag out " methods. Only women here, and
they work wonders by patience, love, common-sense, and
the belief in salvation for all.
First proof from Scribner of "Jack and Jill." Mrs. D.
likes the story, so I peg away very slowly. Put in Elly
D. as one of my boys. The nearer I keep to nature,
the better the work is. Young people much interested
in the story, and all want to "go in." I shall have a
hornet's nest about me if all are not angels.
Father goes West.
I mourn much because all say I must not go to May ;
Family Changes. 323
not safe ; and I cannot add to Mamma Nieriker's cares
at this time by another invalid, as the voyage would upset
me, I am so sea-sick.
Give up my hope and long-cherished plan with grief.
May sadly disappointed. I know I shall wish I had
gone ; it is my luck.
November. — Went to Boston for a month, as some
solace for my great disappointment. Take my room at
the Bellevue, and go about a little. Write on " J. and J."
Anxious about May.
%th. — Little Louisa May Nieriker arrived in Paris at
9 P. M., after a short journey. All doing well. Much
rejoicing. Nice little lass, and May very happy. Ah, if
I had only been there ! Too much happiness for me.
2$th. — Two years since Marmee went. How she
would have enjoyed the little granddaughter, and al.
May's romance ! Perhaps she does.
Went home on my birthday (forty-seven). Tried to
have a little party for Nan and the boys, but it was
rather hard work.
Not well enough to write much, so give up my room.
Can lie round at home, and it's cheaper.
December. — May not doing well. The weight on my
heart is not all imagination. She was too happy to have
it last, and I fear the end is coming. Hope it is my
nerves ; but this peculiar feeling has never misled me
before.
Invited to the breakfast to O. W. H. No heart to go.
8/7*. — Little Lu one month old. Small, but lively.
Oh, if I could only be there to see, — to help ! This is
a penance for all my sins. Such a tugging at my heart
to be by poor May, alone, so far away. The N.'s are
devoted, and all is done that can be ; but not one of her
''very own" is there.
324 Louisa May Alcott.
Father came home.
29^. — May died at 8 A. M., after three weeks of fever
and stupor. Happy and painless most of the time. At
Mr. W.'s funeral on the 3Oth, I felt the truth before the
news came.
Wednesday, 31 s/. — A dark day for us. A telegram
from Ernest to Mr. Emerson tells us "May is dead."
Anna was gone to B. ; Father to the post-office, anxious
for letters, the last being overdue. I was alone when
Mr. E. came. E. sent to him, knowing I was feeble, and
hoping Mr. E. would soften the blow. I found him look
ing at May's portrait, pale and tearful, with the paper in
his hand. " My child, I wish I could prepare you ; but
alas, alas 1 " There his voice failed, and he gave me the
telegram.
I was not surprised, and read the hard words as if
I knew it all before. " I am prepared," I said, and
thanked him. He was much moved and very tender.
I shall remember gratefully the look, the grasp, the tears
he gave me ; and I am sure that hard moment was made
bearable by the presence of this our best and tenderest
friend. He went to find Father but missed him, and
I had to tell both him and Anna when they came. A
very bitter sorrow for all.
The dear baby may comfort E., but what can comfort
us? It is the distance that is so hard, and the thought
of so much happiness ended so soon. "Two years of
perfect happiness " May called these married years, and
said, "If I die when baby comes, don't mourn, for I
have had as much happiness in this short time as many
in twenty years." She wished me to have her baby and
her pictures. A very precious legacy ! Rich payment
for the little I could do for her. I see now why I lived, —
to care for May's child and not leave Anna all alone.
Family Changes. 325
January \st, 1880. — A sad day mourning for May.
Of all the trials in my life I never felt any so keenly as
this, perhaps because I am so feeble in health that I
cannot bear it well. It seems so hard to break up that
happy little home and take May just when life was rich
est, and to leave me who had done my task and could
well be spared. Shall I ever know why such things
happen ?
Letters came telling us all the sad story. May was
unconscious during the last weeks, and seemed not to
suffer. Spoke now and then of " getting ready for
Louy," and asked if she had come. All was done that
love and skill could do, but in vain. E. is broken
hearted, and good Madame N. and Sophie find thek
only solace in the poor baby.
May felt a foreboding, and left all ready in case she
died. Some trunks packed for us, some for the N.
sisters. Her diary written up, all in order. Even chose
the graveyard where she wished to be, out of the cit>.
E. obeys all her wishes sacredly.
Tried to write on "J. and J." to distract my mind ;
but the wave of sorrow kept rolling over me, and I could
only weep and wait till the tide ebbed again.
February. — More letters from E. and Madame N.
Like us, they find comfort in writing of the dear soul
gone, now there is nothing more to do for her. I cannot
make it true that our May is dead, lying far away in a
strange grave, leaving a husband and child whom we
have never seen. It all reads like a pretty romance,
now death hath set its seal on these two happy years;
and we shall never know all that she alone could
tell us.
Many letters from friends in France, England, and
America, full of sympathy for us, and love and pride and
326 Louisa May Alcott.
gratitude for May, who was always glad to help, forgive,
and love every one. It is our only consolation now.
Father and I cannot sleep, but he and I make verses
as we did when Marmee died. Our grief seems to flow
into words. He writes " Love's Morrow " and " Our
Madonna."
Lulu has gone to Baden with Grandmamma.
Finish "J. and J." The world goes on in spite of
sorrow, and I must do my work. Both these last serials
were written with a heavy heart, — "Under the Lilacs"
when Marmee was failing, and "Jack and Jill" while
May was dying. Hope the grief did not get into
them.
Hear R. W. E. lecture for his one hundredth time.
Mary Clemmer writes for a sketch of my life for a book
of " Famous Women." Don't belong there.
Read " Memoirs of Madame de Remusat." Not very
interesting. Beauties seldom amount to much. Plain
Margaret Fuller was worth a dozen of them. " Kings in
Exile," a most interesting book, a very vivid and terrible
picture of Parisian life and royal weakness and sorrow.
Put papers, etc., in order. I feel as if one should
be ready to go at any moment. . . .
March. — A box came from May, with pictures,
clothes, vases, her ornaments, a little work-basket, and,
in one of her own sepia boxes, her pretty hair tied with
blue ribbon, — all that is now left us of this bright soul
but the baby, soon to come. Treasures all.
A sad day, and many tears dropped on the dear dress,
the blue slippers she last wore, the bit of work she laid
down when the call came the evening Lulu was born.
The fur-lined sack feels like May's 'arms round me, and
I shall wear it with pleasure. The pictures show us her
great progress these last years.
Family Changes. 327
To Boston for a few days on business, and to try to for
get. Got gifts for Anna's birthday on the i6th, — forty-
nine years old. My only sister now, and the best God
ever made. Repaired her house for her.
Lulu is not to come till autumn. Great disappoint
ment ; but it is wiser to wait, as summer is bad for a
young baby to begin here.
2gth. — Town meeting. Twenty women there, and
voted first, thanks to Father. Polls closed, — in joke,
we thought, as Judge Hoar proposed it; proved to be
in earnest, and we elected a good school committee.
Quiet time; no fuss.
JANUARY 20, 1880.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — I have been so bowed down
with grief at the loss of my dear sister just when our
anxiety was over that I have not had a thought or care
for anything else.
The story is done ; but the last chapters are not copied,
and I thought it best to let them lie till I could give my
mind to the work.
I never get a good chance to do a story without
interruption of some sort. " Under the Lilacs " was fin
ished by my mother's bedside in her last illness, and this
one when my heart was full of care and hope and then
grief over poor May.
I trust the misery did not get into the story ; but I'm
afraid it is not as gay as I meant most of it to be.
I forgot to number the pages of the last two chapters,
and so cannot number these. I usually keep the run, but
this time sent off the parcel in a hurry. Can you send
me the right number to go on with in chapter seventeen ?
I can send you four more as soon as I hear.
I don't believe I shall come to New York this winter.
328 Louisa May Alcott.
May left me her little daughter for my own ; and if she
comes over soon, I shall be too busy singing lullabies to
one child to write tales for others, or go anywhere, even
to see my kind friends.
A sweeter little romance has just ended in Paris than
any I can ever make ; and the sad facts of life leave me
no heart for cheerful fiction.
Yours truly, L. M. ALCOTT.
CHAPTER XL
LAST YEARS.
MY PRAYER.
(Written October, 1886.)
COURAGE and patience, these I ask,
Dear Lord, in this my latest strait ;
For hard I find my ten years' task,
Learning to suffer and to wait.
Life seems so rich and grand a thing,
So full of work for heart and brain,
It is a cross that I can bring
No help, no offering, but pain.
The hard-earned harvest of these years
I long to generously share ;
The lessons learned with bitter tears
To teach again with tender care ;
To smooth the rough and thorny way
Where other feet begin to tread ;
To feed some hungry soul each day
With sympathy's sustaining bread.
So beautiful such pleasures show,
I long to make them mine ;
To love and labor and to know
The joy such living makes divine.
But if I may not, I will only ask
Courage and patience for my fate,
And learn, dear Lord, thy latest task, —
To suffer patiently and wait.
330 Louisa May Alcott.
THE early part of the year 1880 was in the
deep shadow of sadness, from the death of
Louisa's sister. Boxes full of May's pictures,
clothes, and books came home to call up anew
all the memories of the bright spirit who had
blossomed into such beautiful life so quickly to
fade away.
Miss Alcott tried to rise above her grief and
busy herself with new interests. She took an ac
tive part in the voting of the women in Concord,
and rejoiced in the election of a good school com
mittee. In April she returned to her old rooms at
the Bellevue, where she busied herself with drama
tizing " Michael Strogoff," which she never com
pleted. She kept up her interest in young girls,
and received with pleasure a visit from thirty pupils
of the Boston University, and she helped to give
the children of the North End Mission a happy
day at Walden Pond. She went to York for rest
and refreshment during the summer. Her heart
was filled with longing for the child, and every
thing was done with reference to its coming.
As September brought cooler weather, over the
sea came the little babe to the warm hearts that were
longing to welcome her. No woman as true and
loving as Louisa Alcott but has the mother-nature
strong in her heart; and she could not help feeling
a new spring of love and life when the child of one
so dear was put into her arms to be her very own.
Rosy and healthy, full of life and energy, — not a
model of sainthood, but a real human nature, with
a will to be regulated, not broken, with impulses to
be trained, talents and tendencies to be studied,
Last Years. 331
and a true, loving heart to be filled with joy, —
Louisa found the child a constant source of inter
est and pleasure. She brought her up as she her
self had been trained, — more by influences than
by rules, — and sought to follow the leadings which
she found in the young nature rather than to make
it over after a plan of her own. This new care and
joy helped to fill up the void in her life from the
loss of the mother for whom she had worked so
faithfully and the pet sister to whom she had ever
been a good providence.
The principal interest of the next few years was
the care of this child. It was a pleasant occupation
to Louisa, occupying her heart, and binding her
with new ties to younger generations. The journal
tells all the simple story of the " voyage across
the seas."
Miss Alcott was very attractive to children, es
pecially to the little ones, who thronged about her
and pleaded for stories ; but this was the first one
who ever really filled the mother-longing in her
heart. She was now truly a " marmee ; " and re
membering the blessing which her own mother
had been to her, her standard of motherhood must
have been very high. Much care was now also
given to her father, and she speaks with pride of
her handsome old philosopher in his new suit of
clothes.
Miss Alcott was gratified by a visit from one of
the men to whom she had spoken at Concord
Prison. He told her his story, and she assisted
him to find work, and had the satisfaction of hear
ing of his well-doing.
332 Louisa May Alcott.
There is little record of writing done at this
period, Louisa's time and thoughts being absorbed
by the child. In the autumn of 1881 she wrote a
preface to a new edition of the " Prayers of Theo
dore Parker," and also one to the new edition of
" Moods."
Louisa kept the birthdays of November, though
with saddened heart. She wrote a tale for the
Soldiers' Home, — " My Red Cap," in " Proverb
Stories," — and another for the New England Hos
pital fair, — " A Baby's Birthday ; " and also one for
her old publisher. Such was the feeling toward
her as a universal benefactor, that a poor woman
wrote her begging her to send some Christmas
gifts to her children, as they had asked her to
write to Santa Claus for some. With Lulu's help
she got up a box for the poor family, and then
made a story out of the incident, for which she
received a hundred dollars.
A new project was that of a temperance society,
which was felt to be needed in Concord.
Louisa occupied herself much in looking over
her mother's papers, and unfortunately destroyed
them, instead of preparing a memoir of her as she
had intended to do. It is a matter of great regret
that she did not feel able to do this work, for Mrs.
Alcott's letters would have been a most valuable
record of the life of her time, as well as a treasury
of bright thought and earnest feeling. Louisa was
not willing to commit the task to any other hand,
And the opportunity is gone.
Last Years. 333
To Mrs. Dodge.
CONCORD, May 29.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — I was away from home, so your
letter did not reach me till I got back yesterday.
Thanks for 'your kind thought of me, and recollections
of the pleasant week when the L. L.'s had a lark. I
should like another ; but in this work-a-day world busy
folk don't get many, as we know.
If I write a serial, you shall have it ; but I have my
doubts as to the leisure and quiet needed for such tasks
being possible with a year- old baby. Of course little
Lu is a very remarkable child, but I fancy I shall feel as
full of responsibility as a hen with one chick, and cluck
and scratch industriously for the sole benefit of my
daughter.
She may, however, have a literary turn, and be my
assistant, by offering hints and giving studies of character
for my work. She comes in September, if well.
If I do begin a new story, how would " An Old-Fashion-
ed Boy " and his life do? I meant that for the title of a
book, but another woman took it. You proposed a revo
lutionary tale once, but I was not up to it ; for this I
have quaint material in my father's journals, letters, and
recollections. He was born with the century, and had
an uncle in the war of 1 8 1 2 ; and his life was very pretty
and pastoral in the early days. I think a new sort of
story would n't be amiss, with fun in it, and the queer old
names and habits. I began it long ago, and if I have a
chance will finish off a few chapters and send them to
you, if you like.
Yours cordially,
L. M. ALCOTT.
334 Louisa May Alcott.
To Mr. NileSy about the new illustrated edition of
"Little Women."
YORK, July 20, 1880.
The drawings are all capital, and we had great fun
over them down here this rainy day. . . . Mr. Merrill
certainly deserves a good penny for his work. Such a
fertile fancy and quick hand as his should be well paid,
and I shall not begrudge him his well-earned compensa
tion, nor the praise I am sure these illustrations will earn.
It is very pleasant to think that the lucky little story has
been of use to a fellow-worker, and I am much obliged
to him for so improving on my hasty pen-and-ink
sketches. What a dear rowdy boy Teddy is with the
felt basin on !
The papers are great gossips, and never get anything
quite straight, and I do mean to set up my own estab
lishment in Boston (D.V.). Now I have an excuse for
a home of my own, and as the other artistic and literary
spinsters have a house, I am going to try the plan, for a
winter at least.
Come and see how cosey we are next October at 81
Pinckney Street. Miss N. will receive.
Yours truly, L. M. A.
To Mrs. Dodge.
8 1 PINCKNEY STREET, 1880.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — The editor of " Harper's Young
People " asked for a serial, and I declined ; then they
wanted a short story for Christmas, and I sent one. But
it was not long enough, though longer than most of my
short $100 tales.
Last Years. 335
So I said, " If you don't want it, send it to ' Saint
Nicholas.' "
Therefore if " How It Happened " comes straying
along, you will know what it means. If you don't want
it, please send it to me in Boston, 81 Pinckney Street;
for Christmas tales are always in demand, and I have no
time to write more.
You will like to know that my baby is safely here, — a
healthy, happy little soul, who comes like sunshine to our
sad hearts, and takes us all captive by her winning ways
and lovely traits.
I shall soon be settled for the winter, and I hope have
good times after the hard ones.
Affectionately yours,
L. M. A.
Journal.
April, 1880. — So sad and poorly; went to B. for a
change. Old room at the Bellevue.
Amused myself dramatizing " Michael Strogoff ; " read,
walked, and rested. Reporters called for story of my
life; did not get much. Made my will, dividing all I
have between Nan and the boys, with Father as a legacy
to Nan, and to Lulu her mother's pictures and small
fortune of $500.
May. — Thirty girls from Boston University called ;
told stories, showed pictures, wrote autographs. Pleas
ant to see so much innocent enthusiasm, even about so
poor a thing as a used-up old woman. Bright girls !
simple in dress, sensible ideas of life, and love of educa
tion. I wish them all good luck.
Ordered a stone for May's grave like Marmee's and
Beth's, for some day I hope to bring her dust home.
336 Louisa May Alcott.
Twenty- third is the anniversary of Mother's wedding. If
she had lived, it would have been the golden wedding.
Went to see St. Botolph's Club rooms. Very prim and
neat, with easy chairs everywhere ; stained glass, and a
pious little bar, with nothing visible but a moral ice-
pitcher and a butler like a bishop. The reverend gentle
men will be comfortable and merry, I fancy, as there is
a smoking-room and card-tables, as well as a library and
picture-gallery. Divines nowadays are not as godly as in
old times, it seems.
Mrs. Dodge wants a new serial, but I doubt if I can
do it ; boys, babies, illness, and business of all sorts leave
no time for story-telling.
June. — We all enjoy the new rooms very much, and
Father finds his study delightful. Prepare the Orchard
House for W. T. Harris, who is to rent it.
North End Mission children at Walden Pond. Help
give them a happy day, — eleven hundred of them. Get
Anna and John off to Walpole. Cleaned house.
Madame N. sends a picture of Lulu, — a funny, fat
little thing in her carriage. Don't realize that it is May's
child, and that she is far away in a French cemetery,
never to come home to us again.
It is decided that Baby is to come to us in September.
2^th. — Lizzie's birthday and Johnny's. He is fifteen,
— a lovely, good boy, whom every one loves. Got the
Dean a new suit of clothes, as he must be nice for his
duties at the School. Plato's toga was not so costly,
but even he did not look better than my handsome old
philosopher.
July and August. — To York with boys. Rest and
enjoy the fine air. Home in August, and let Anna go
down. Four hundred callers since the School began.
Philosophy is a bore to outsiders.
Last Years. 337
Got things ready for my baby, — warm wrapper, and
all the dear can need on her long journey. On the 2ist
saw Mrs. Giles (who went for baby) off; the last time I
went, it was to see May go. She was sober and sad,
not gay as before ; seemed to feel it might be a longer
voyage than we knew. The last view I had of her,
was standing alone in the long blue cloak waving her
hand to us, smiling with wet eyes till out of sight. How
little we dreamed what an experience of love, joy, pain,
and death she was going to !
A lonely time with all away. My grief meets me when
I come home, and the house is full of ghosts.
September. — Put papers in order, and arrange things
generally, to be in order when our Lulu comes. Make a
cosey nursery for the darling, and say my prayers over
the little white crib that waits for her, if she ever comes.
God watch over her !
Paid my first /0//-tax. As my head is my most valu
able piece of property, I thought $z a cheap tax on it.
Saw my townswomen about voting, etc. Hard work to
stir them up ; cake and servants are more interesting.
i8//z. — In Boston, waiting for the steamer that brings
my treasure. The ocean seems very wide and terrible
when I think of the motherless little creature coming so
far to us.
igth. — Lulu and Sophie N. arrived with poor G.,
worn out by anxiety. A stormy passage, and much
care, being turned out of the stateroom I had engaged
for them and paid for, by a rude New York dressmaker.
No help for it, so poor G. went to a rat-hole below, and
did her best.
As I waited on the wharf while the people came off
the ship, I saw several babies, and wondered each time
if that was mine. At last the captain appeared, and in
33 ^ Louisa May Alcott.
his arms a little yellow-haired thing in white, with its hat
half off as it looked about with lively blue eyes and bab
bled prettily. Mrs. G. came along by it, and I knew it
was Lulu. Behind, walked a lovely brown-eyed girl with
an anxious face, all being new and strange to Sophie.
I held out my arms to Lulu, only being able to say her
name. She looked at me for a moment, then came to
me, saying " Marmar " in a wistful way, and resting close
as if she had found her own people and home at last, —
as she had, thank Heaven ! I could only listen while I
held her, and the others told their tale. Then we got
home as soon as we could, and dear baby behaved very
well, though hungry and tired.
The little princess was received with tears and smiles,
and being washed and fed went quietly to sleep in her
new bed, while we brooded over her and were never tired
of looking at the little face of " May's baby."
She is a very active, bright child, not pretty yet, being
browned by sea air, and having a yellow down on her
head, and a pug nose. Her little body is beautifully
formed, broad shoulders, fine chest, and lovely arms. A
happy thing, laughing and waving her hands, confiding
and bold, with a keen look in the eyes so like May,
who hated shams and saw through them at once. She
always comes to me, and seems to have decided that I
am really " Marmar." My heart is full of pride and joy,
and the touch of the dear little hands seems to take
away the bitterness of grief. I often go at night to see
if she is really here, and the sight of the little head is
like sunshine to me. Father adores her, and she loves
to sit in his strong arms. They make a pretty picture
...* he walks in the garden with her to "see birdies."
\nna tends her as she did May, who was her baby
once, being ten years younger, and we all find life
Last Years. 339
easier to live now the baby has come. Sophie is a sweet
girl, with much character and beauty. A charming sis
ter in love as in law.
October. — Happy days with Lulu and Sophie ; get
ting acquainted with them. Lulu is rosy and fair now,
and grows pretty in her native air, — a merry little lass,
who seems to feel at home and blooms in an atmosphere
of adoration. People come to see " Miss Alcott's baby,"
and strangers waylay her little carriage in the street
to look at her; but she does not allow herself to be
kissed.
As Father wants to go West I decide to hire Cousin
L. W.'s house furnished for the winter, so that Sophie
and the boys can have a pleasant time. S. misses the
gayety of her home-life in stupid Concord, where the
gossip and want of manners strike her very disagreeably.
Impertinent questions are asked her, and she is amazed
at the queer, rude things people say.
November 8/$. — Lulu's birthday. One year old.
Her gifts were set out on a table for her to see when
she came down in the afternoon, — a little cake with one
candle, a rose crown for the queen, a silver mug, dolly,
picture-books, gay ball, toys, flowers, and many kisses.
She sat smiling at her treasures just under her mother's
picture. Suddenly, attracted by the sunshine on the face
of the portrait which she knows is " Marmar," she held
up a white rose to it calling " Mum ! Mum ! " and smiling
at it in a way that made us all cry. A happy day for her,
i sad one to us.
Thanksgiving. — Family dinner.
Father at Syracuse, having conversations at Bishop
Huntington's and a fine time everywhere.
December. — Too busy to keep much of a journal.
My life is absorbed in my baby. On the twenty-third
34° Louisa May Alcott.
she got up and walked alone ; had never crept at all,
but when ready ran across the room and plumped down,
laughing triumphantly at her feat.
Christmas. — Tried to make it gay for the young
folks, but a heavy day for Nan and me. Sixty gifts
were set out on different tables, and all were much
pleased. Sophie had many pretty things, and gave to
all generously.
A hard year for all, but when I hold my Lulu I feel
as if even death had its compensations. A new world
for me.
Called down one day to see a young man. Found it
one of those to whom I spoke at the prison in Concord
last June. Came to thank me for the good my little
story did him, since it kept him straight and reminded
him that it is never too late to mend. Told me about
himself, and how he was going to begin anew and wipe
out the past. He had been a miner, and coming East
met some fellows who made him drink ; while tipsy he
stole something in a doctor's office, and having no friends
here was sentenced to three years in prison. Did well, and
was now out. Had a prospect of going on an expedition
to South America with a geological surveying party. An
interesting young man. Fond of books, anxious to do
well, intelligent, and seemed eager to atone for his one
fault. Gave him a letter to S. G. at Chicago. Wrote to
the warden, who confirmed D.'s story and spoke well of
him. Miss Willard wrote me later of him, and he seemed
doing well. Asked if he might write to me, and did so
several times, then went to S. A. and I hear no more.
Glad to have said a word to help the poor boy.
March, 1881. — Voted for school committee.
October. — Wrote a preface for Parker's Prayers, just
got out by F. B. Sanborn.
Last Years. 341
November. — Forty-nine on 29th. Wrote a preface to
the new edition of " Moods."
8t/i. — Gave my baby two kisses when she woke, and
escorted her down to find a new chair decked with
ribbons, and a doll's carriage tied with pink ; toys, pic
tures, flowers, and a cake, with a red and a blue candle
burning gayly.
Wrote a tale for the Soldiers' Home, — " My Red
Cap/' — and one for the Woman's Hospital fair, — "A
Baby's Birthday." Also a tale for F.
December. — A poor woman in Illinois writes me to
send her children some Christmas gifts, being too poor
and ill to get any. They asked her to write to Santa
Claus and she wrote to me. Sent a box, and made a
story about it, — $100. Lulu much interested, and kept
bringing all her best toys and clothes " for poor little
boys." A generous baby.
To Mr. Niles.
FEBRUARY 12, 1881.
DEAR MR. NILES, — Wendell Phillips wrote me a letter
begging me to write a preface for Mrs. Robinson's " His
tory of the Suffrage Movement ; " but I refused him, as I
did Mrs. R., because I don't write prefaces well, and if I
begin to do it there will be no end. . . .
Cannot you do a small edition for her? All the be
lievers will buy the book, and I think the sketches of
L. M. Child, Abby May, Alcott, and others will add much
to the interest of the book.
Has she seen you about it? Will you look at the
manuscripts by and by, or do you scorn the whole
thing? Better not; for we are going 'to win in time,
and the friend of literary ladies ought to be also the
friend of women generally.
342 Louisa May Alcott.
We are going to meet the Governor, council, and
legislature at Mrs. Tudor's next Wednesday eve and
have a grand set-to. I hope he will come out of the
struggle alive.
Do give Mrs. R. a lift if you can, and your petitioners
will ever pray.
Yours truly, L. M. A.
FEBRUARY 19, 1881.
DEAR MR. NILES, — Thank you very much for so
kindly offering to look at Mrs. R.'s book. It is always
pleasant to find a person who can conquer his prejudices
to oblige a friend, if no more.
I think we shall be glad by and by of every little help
we may have been able to give to this reform in its hard
times, for those who take the tug now will deserve the
praise when the work is done.
I can remember when Antislavery was in just the
same state that Suffrage is now, and take more pride in
the very small help we Alcotts could give than in all the
books I ever wrote or ever shall write.
" Earth's fanatics often make heaven's saints," you
know, and it is as well to try for that sort of promotion
in time.
If Mrs. R. does send her manuscripts I will help all I
can in reading or in any other way. If it only records
the just and wise changes Suffrage has made in the laws
for women, it will be worth printing ; and it is time
to keep account of these first steps, since they count
most.
I, for one, don't want to be ranked among idiots,
felons, and minors any longer, for I am none of the
three, but very gratefully yours,
L. M. A.
Last Years. 343
To Mrs. Stearns.
FEBRUARY 21, 1881.
DEAR MRS. STEARNS, — Many thanks for the tender
thoughtfulness which sends us the precious little notes
from the dear dead hands.
They are so characteristic that they bring both Mother
and May clearly up before me, alive and full of patient
courage and happy hopes. I am resigned to my blessed
mother's departure, since life was a burden, and the
heroic past made a helpless future very hard to think of.
But May's loss, just when life was fullest and sweetest,
seems very bitter to me still, in spite of the sweet baby
who is an unspeakable comfort. I wish you could see
the pretty creature who already shows many of her moth
er's traits and tastes. Her love of pictures is a passion,
but she will not look at the common gay ones most
babies enjoy. She chooses the delicate, well- drawn, and
painted figures of Caldecott and Miss Greenaway; over
these she broods with rapture, pointing her little fingers
at the cows or cats, and kissing the children with funny
prattlings to these dumb playmates. She is a fine, tall
girl, full of energy, intelligence, and health ; blonde
and blue-eyed like her mother, but with her father's fea
tures, for which I am glad, for he is a handsome man.
Louisa May bids fair to be a noble woman ; and I hope I
may live to see May's child as brave and bright and
talented as she was and, much happier in her fate.
Father is at the West, busy and well. Anna joins me
in thanks and affectionate regards.
Ever yours, L. M. ALCOTT.
Journal.
March, 1882. — Helped start a temperance society;
much needed in C. A great deal of drinking, not
344 Louisa May Alcott.
among the Irish, but young American gentlemen, as
well as farmers and mill hands. Women anxious to do
something, but find no interest beyond a few. Have
meetings, and try to learn how to work. I was secretary,
and wrote records, letters, and sent pledges, etc. ; also
articles in "Concord Freeman" and "Woman's Journal"
about the union and town meetings.
April. — Read over and destroyed Mother's diaries,
as she wished me to do so. A wonderfully interesting
record of her life, from her delicate, cherished girlhood
through her long, hard, romantic married years, old age,
and death. Some time I will write a story or a memoir
of it.
Lulu's teeth trouble her ; but in my arms she seems to
find comfort, for I tell stories by the dozen ; and lambs,
piggies, and " tats " soothe her little woes. Wish I were
stronger, so that I might take all the care of her. We
seem to understand each other, but my nerves make
me impatient, and noise wears upon me.
Mr. Emerson ill. Father goes to see him. E. held
his hand, looking up at the tall, sorry old man, and say
ing, with that smile of love that has been Father's sun
shine for so many years, " You are very well, — keep so,
keep so." After Father left, he called him back and
grasped his hand again, as if he knew it was for the last
time, and the kind eyes said, " Good -by, my friend ! "
April 27, 1882, Louisa speaks most tenderly of
the death of Mr. Emerson. He had been to her
and to her family the truest and best of friends ;
and her own profound reverence for him had been
a strong influence, from the time when she played
games with his children in the barn until she fol
lowed him to his honored grave. Let critics and
Last Years. 345
philosophers judge him by his intellect; in the
hearts of this family, and in many an humble home
besides, he will always be remembered as the ten-
derest, most sympathetic, most loyal of all friends,
whose bounty fell on them silently as the dew from
heaven, and whose presence could brighten the
highest joy and soothe the keenest sorrow they
could ever know.
Journal.
Thursday, 2^th. — Mr. Emerson died at 9 P.M. sud
denly. Our best and greatest American gone. The
nearest and dearest friend Father has ever had, and the
man who has helped me most by his life, his books, his
society. I can never tell all he has been to me, — from
the time I sang Mignon's song under his window (a
little girl) and wrote letters a la Bettine to him, my
Goethe, at fifteen, up through my hard years, when his
essays on Self-Reliance, Character, Compensation, Love,
and Friendship helped me to understand myself and life,
and God and Nature. Illustrious and beloved friend,
good-by !
Sunday, 30^. — Emerson's funeral. I made a yellow
lyre of jonquils for the church, and helped trim it up.
Private services at the house, and a great crowd at the
church. Father read his sonnet, and Judge Hoar and
others spoke. Now he lies in Sleepy Hollow among
his brothers, under the pines he loved.
I sat up till midnight to write an article on R. W. E.
for the "Youth's Companion," that the children may
know something of him. A labor of love.
May. — Twenty-seven boys signed pledge. Temper
ance work. Meetings. I give books to schools. Wrote
an article for Mrs. Croly on R. W. E.
346 Louisa May Alcott.
June. — I visited A. B. in Mattapoisset for a week. A
queer time, driving about or talking over our year in
Europe. School children called upon me with flowers,
etc.
24/$. — John's seventeenth birthday. A dear boy,
good and gay, full of love, manliness, and all honest and
lovely traits, like his father and mother. Long life to
my boy !
July. — School of Philosophy opens on the iyth in
full force. I arrange flowers, oak branches, etc., and
then fly before the reporters come. Father very happy.
Westerners arrive, and the town is full with ideal specu
lators. Penny has a new barge ; we call it the " Blue
Plato" (not the "Black Maria"), and watch it rumble
by with Margaret Fullers in white muslin and Hegels in
straw hats, while stout Penny grins at the joke as he puts
money in his purse. The first year Concord people stood
aloof, and the strangers found it hard to get rooms. Now
every one is eager to take them, and the School is pro
nounced a success because it brings money to the town.
Even philosphers can't do without food, beds, and wash
ing ; so all rejoice, and the new craze flourishes. If all
our guests paid we should be well off; several hundred
a month is rather wearing. Father asked why we never
went, and Anna showed him a long list of four hundred
names of callers, and he said no more.
October. — To Hotel Bellevue with John.
Missed my dear baby, but need quiet. Brain began
to work, and plans for tales to simmer. Began "Jo's
Boys," as Mrs. Dodge wants a serial.
In the autumn of 1882 Mr. Alcott was attacked
by a severe stroke of paralysis, from which he
never fully recovered ; and for the rest of his life
Last Years. 347
his daughters shared in the duty of tending and
caring for him in his enfeebled state. It had been
the great reward of Louisa's years of hard work
that she could surround her mother with every
comfort that could make her happy in her last
declining years. Not less had she delighted to
gratify every wish of her father. His library was
fitted up with exquisite taste, his books and manu
scripts bound, and he was " throned in philosophic
ease " for the rest of his days. What a relief it
was now that she could have the faithful nurse
ready at his call; that she could give him the
pleasant drives which he enjoyed so much ; and
lighten her sister's labors with every assistance
that money could procure !
The Orchard House, which had been the family
home for twenty-five years, was sold to Mr. Harris,
and Mrs. Pratt's house was the home of all. Louisa
spent part of the summer at the seashore, and
finally bought a small house at Nonquit, where
the children could all spend the summer, while
she and her sister alternated in the care of her
father.
In the autumn of 1885, Miss Alcott decided to
take a furnished house in Louisburg Square. Her
nephews were established in Boston, and their
mother wished to be with them. Mr. Alcott bore
the moving well, and they found many comforts
in the arrangement. Louisa's health was very
feeble. She had great trouble in the throat, and
her old dyspeptic symptoms returned to annoy
her. Still she cannot give up work, and busies
herself in preparing " Lulu's Library " for publi-
348 Louisa May Alcott.
cation, and hopes to be able to work on "Jo's
Boys."
" Lulu's Library " was a collection of stories
which had been the delight of the child. The first
series was published in 1885, the second in 1887,
and the third in 1889. They are full of Louisa's
charming qualities, and have a special interest from
the tender feeling with which she gatherea them
up for her niece. The touching preface to " Jo's
Boys " tells of the seven years of occasional work
on this book, and reveals the depth of feeling
which would not allow her to write as formerly of
Marmee and Amy, who were no longer here to
accept their own likenesses. During the latter
part of her work on this book, she could only
write from half an hour to one or two hours a
day. This was published in September, 1886. It
contains an engraving of her from a bas-relief by
Mr. Ricketson.
This book was written under hard circumstances,
and cost its author more effort perhaps than any
other. It is evidently not the overflow of her de
light and fun in life like " Little Women," but it is
full of biographical interest. Her account of her
own career, and of the annoyances to which her
celebrity exposed her, is full of her old spirit and
humor. She has expressed many valuable thoughts
on education, and her spirit is as hopeful for her
boys as in her days of youth and health. She has
too many characters to manage ; but we feel a keen
interest in the fortunes of Dan and Emil, and in the
courtship by the warm-hearted Tom of his medical
sweetheart.
Last Years. 349
Preface to " Jo's Boys."
Having been written at long intervals during the past
seven years, this story is more faulty than any of its very
imperfect predecessors ; but the desire to atone for an
unavoidable disappointment, and to please my patient
little friends, has urged me to let it go without further
delay.
To account for the seeming neglect of Amy, let me
add, that, since the original of that character died, it has
been impossible for me to write of her as when she was
here to suggest, criticise, and laugh over her namesake.
The same excuse applies to Marmee. But the folded
leaves are not blank to those who knew and loved them
and can find memorials of them in whatever is cheerful,
true, or helpful in these pages.
L. M. ALCOTT.
CONCORD, July 4, 1886.
To Mr. Horace Chandler.
DEAR MR. CHANDLER, — The corrections are certainly
rather peculiar, and I fear my struggles to set them right
have only produced greater confusion.
Fortunately punctuation is a free institution, and all
can pepper to suit the taste. I don't care much, and
always leave proof-readers to quibble if they like.
Thanks for the tickets. I fear I cannot come tilt
Thursday, but will try, and won't forget the office, since
I am not that much-tried soul the editor.
Yours truly,
L. M. A.
350 Louisa May Alcott.
To Mrs. Williams (Betsey Prig).
NONQUIT, August 25.
DEAR BETSEY, — I am so sorry the darling Doll is ill !
Brood over him, and will him well ; for mother-love
works wonders.
My poppet is a picture of health, vigor, and delightful
naughtiness. She runs wild in this fine place with some
twenty other children to play with, — nice babies, well-
bred, and with pleasant mammas for me to gossip with.
It would be a good place for your little people, as the
air is delicious, bathing safe and warm, and cottages to be
quiet in if one cares to keep house. Do try it next year.
Let me know early. I can get a nice little cot for you
(near mine) for $100, or perhaps less, from June to Oc
tober, — if you care to stay ; I do. . . .
We have been here since July, and are all hearty,
brown, and gay as larks.
" John Inglesant " was too political for me. I am too
lazy here to read much ; mean to find a den in Boston
and work for a month or two ; then fly off to New York,
and perhaps run over and see my Betsey. I shall be at
home in October, and perhaps we may see you then, if
the precious little shadow gets nice and well again, and I
pray he may.
Lulu has some trifling ail now and then, — just enough
to show me how dear she is to us all, and what a great
void the loss of our little girl would make in hearts and
home. She is very intelligent and droll. When I told
her the other day that the crickets were hopping and
singing in the grass with their mammas, she said at once,
" No ; their Aunt Weedys." Aunty is nearer than mother
to the poor baby ; and it is very sweet to have it so, since
it must be.
Last Years. 351
Now, my blessed Betsey, keep a brave heart, and I am
sure all will be well in the nest. Love and kisses to the
little birds, and all good wishes to the turtle-dove and her
mate.
Yours ever, L. M. A.
The older birthdays are 29th of November, Lulu's
the 8th ; so we celebrate for Grandpa, Auntie, and Lulu
all at once, in great style, — eighty-three, fifty, and three
years old.
When I get on my pins I 'm going (D. V.) to devote
myself to settling poor souls who need a gentle boost in
hard times.
To Mr. Niles.
JUNE 23, 1883.
DEAR MR. NILES, — Thanks for the Goethe book. I
want everything that comes out about him. " Princess
Amelia " is charming, and the surprise at the end well
done. Did the author of " My Wife's Sister " write it?
I told L. C. M. she might put " A Modern Mephis-
topheles " in my list of books. Several people had found
it out, and there was no use in trying to keep it secret
after that.
Mrs. Dodge begged me to consider myself mortgaged
to her for tales, etc., and as I see no prospect of any
time for writing books, I may be able to send her some
short stories from time to time, and so be getting mate
rial for a new set of books like " Scrap-bag," but with
a new name. You excel in names, and can be evolving
one meantime. . . .
Yours truly, L. M. A.
JULY 15, 1884.
I wish I might be inspired to do those dreadful boys
["Jo's Boys"] ; but rest 'is more needed than money.
352 Louisa May Alcott.
Perhaps during August, my month at home, I may take
a grind at the old mill.
Journal.
October 24, 1882. — Telegram that Father had had a
paralytic stroke. Home at once, and found him stricken
down. Anxious days ; little hope.
November. — Gave up our rooms, and I went home to
help with the new care. My Lulu ran to meet me, rosy
and gay, and I felt as if I could bear anything with this
little sunbeam to light up the world for me.
Poor Father dumb and helpless ; feeble mind slowly
coming back. He knows us ; but he 's asleep most of
the time. Get a nurse, and wait to see if he will rally.
It is sad to see the change one moment makes, turning
the hale, handsome old man into this pathetic wreck.
The forty sonnets last winter and the fifty lectures at the
School last summer were too much for a man of eighty-
three. He was warned by Dr. W., but thought it folly
to stop ; and now poor Father pays the penalty of break
ing the laws of health. I have done the same : may I
be spared this end !
January, 1883. — Too busy to keep a diary. Can
only jot down a fact now and then.
Father improving. Much trouble with nurses ; have
no idea of health ; won't walk ; sit over the fire, and drink
tea three times a day ; ought to be an intelligent, hearty
set of women. Could do better myself; have to fill up
all the deficiencies and do double duty.
People come to see Father ; but it excites him, and we
have to deny him.
February. — To B. for a week of rest, having got Mrs.
H. settled with Father, and all comfortable for November.
Began a book called " Genius." Shall never finish it,
Last Years. 353
I dare say, but must keep a vent for my fancies to escape
at. This double life is trying, and my head will work as
well as my hands.
March. — To give A. rest I took Lulu and maid to
the Bellevue for a month. Lulu very happy with her new
world. Enjoys her walks, the canary I got her, and the
petting she gets from all. Showed her to friends ; want
them to know May's child. Had her picture taken by
Notman ; very good.
April 2d. — Town meeting. Seven women vote. I am
one of them, and A. another. A poor show for a town
that prides itself on its culture and independence.
6tk. — Go home to stay; Father needs me. New-
nurse ; many callers ; Lulu fretful, Anna tired, Father
feeble, — hard times for all.
Wrote a story for " St. Nicholas " at odd moments.
Nurses and doctors take a deal of money.
May. — Take care of Lulu, as we can find no good
woman to walk and dress and play with her. The ladies
are incapable or proud ; the girls vulgar or rough ; so my
poor baby has a bad time with her little temper and
active mind and body. Could do it myself if I had the
nerves and strength, but am needed elsewhere, and must
leave the child to some one. Long to go away with her
and do as I like. Shall never lead my own life.
July. — Go to Nonquit with Miss H. and Lulu for the
summer. A quiet, healthy place, with pleasant people
and fine air. Turn Lulu loose, with H. to run after her,
and try to rest.
Lulu takes her first bath in the sea. Very bold ;
walks off toward Europe up to her neck, and is much
afflicted that I won't let her go to the bottom and see
the " little trabs ; " makes a cupid of herself, and is very
pretty and gay.
23
354 Louisa May Alcott.
The boys revel in the simple pleasures of Nonquit, —
a fine place for them to be in.
Wrote a tale for " St. Nicholas," — " Sophie's Secret/'
— $100.
August. — Home to C., and let A. come for her holi
day. Much company.
P. C. Mozoomdar preached, and had a conversation at
Mrs. Emerson's; a most interesting man. Curious to
hear a Hindu tell how the life of Christ impressed him.
November 27 th. — Decide to lessen care and worry at
home ; so take rooms in Boylston. Street, and with Lulu
set forth to make a home of our own. The whole parlor
floor gives my lady room to run in doors, and the Public
Garden opposite is the out-door play-ground. Miss C.
comes as governess, and we settle down. Fred boards
with us. Heard Mathew Arnold.
2<)th. — Birthday, — fifty-one. Home with gifts to
poor Father, — eighty- four. Found a table full for
myself.
December 2$th. — Home with gifts for all; sad day.
See H. Martineau's statue ; very fine.
January, 1884. — New Year's Day is made mem
orable by my solemnly spanking my child. Miss C. and
others assure me it is the only way to cure her wilful-
ness. I doubt it ; but knowing that mothers are usually
too tender and blind, I correct my dear in the old-
fashioned way. She proudly says, " Do it, do it ! " and
when it is done is heartbroken at the idea of Aunt Wee-
wee's giving her pain. Her bewilderment was pathetic,
and the effect, as I expected, a failure. Love is better ;
but also endless patience.
February 2d. — Wendell Phillips died. I shall mourn
for him next to R. W. E. and Parker.
6///. — Funeral at Hollis Street Church. Sat between
Last Years. 355
Fred Douglas and his wife. A goodly gathering of all left
of the old workers. Glad and proud to be among them.
june, — Sell the Orchard House to W. T. Harris.
Glad to be done with it, though after living in it twenty-
five years, it is full of memories ; but places have not
much hold on me when the dear persons who made them
dear are gone. . . .
Bought a cottage at Nonquit, with house and furniture.
All like it, and it is a good investment I am told.
24//z. — To Nonquit with Lulu and K. and John.
Fixed my house, and enjoyed the rest and quiet im
mensely. Lulu wild with joy at the freedom. . . .
July and August. — Restful days in my little house,
which is cool and quiet, arid without the curse of a
kitchen to spoil it.
Lulu happy and well, and every one full of summer fun.
On the yth of August I went home, and let A. go for
her holiday.
Took care of Father and house, and idled away the hot
days with books and letters. Drove with Father, as he
enjoyed it very much. . . .
October. — To Boston with John, and take rooms at
the Bellevue. Very tired of home-worry, and fly for rest
to my old refuge, with J. and L. to look after and make
a home for.
Saw Irving. Always enjoy him, though he is very queer.
Ellen Terry always the same, though charming in her way.
November. — Find Bellevue uncomfortable and expen
sive, so take rooms in Chestnut Street for self and boys.
8//j. — My Lulu's birthday. Go home with flowers,
gifts, and a grateful heart that the dear little girl is so
well and happy and good. A merry day with the little
queen of the house.
356 Louisa May Alcott.
. — Our birthday, — Father eighty-five; L. M. A.
fifty-two. Quiet day ; always sad for thinking of Mother
and John and May, who all left us at this season. $
December. — Began again on "Jo's Boys," as T. N.
wants a new book very much, and I am tired of being
idle. Wrote 'two hours for three days, then had a violent
attack of vertigo, and was ill for a week. Head won't
bear work yet. Put away papers, and tried to dawdle
and go about as other people do.
Pleasant Christmas with Lulu and Nan and poor
Father, who loves to see us about him. A narrow
world now, but a happy one for him.
Last day of the year. All well at home except my
self; body feeble, but soul improving.
Jaunary i, 1885. — Pleasant greeting from brother
Ernest by telegram, — never forgets us. Opera in the
evening, — Emma Nevada. Sent box home. Very cold.
John had his first dress-suit. Happy boy ! Several
pleasant Sunday evenings at E. P. W.'s. See Mrs. Bur
nett, and like her.
Visit Blind Asylum and North End Mission. Lulu
passed a week with me for a change.
i9/!#. — An old-fashioned party in an old-time house.
All in antique costume ; Lulu very pretty in hers. Coun
try kitchen and country fare; spinning and weaving;
old songs and dances ; tally-ho coach with P. as an
ancient Weller, — very funny.
June. — Read Life of Saint Elizabeth by D'Alembert,
— quaint and sweet ; also French novels. Write out the
little tales I tell Lulu for a new Christmas book, having
nothing else. Send one, "The Candy Country," to
"St. Nicholas."
Last Years 357
August 8t/i. — Go home, and A. goes to N. Take
care of Father, arrange the little tales, and look at
houses in B. Have a plan to take a furnished house
for the winter, and all be together. A. is lonely in C. ;
boys must be near business. I want Lulu, and Father
will enjoy a change.
Sorted old letters, and burned many. Not wise to
keep for curious eyes to read and gossip-lovers to print
by and by.
Lived in the past for days, and felt very old, recalling
all I have been through. Experiences go deep with me,
and I begin to think it might be well to keep some
record of my life, if it will help others to read it when
I 'm gone. People seem to think our lives interesting
and peculiar.
September. — After a lively time with house-brokers, f
take a house in Louisburg Square for two years. It is a
large house, furnished, and well suited to our needs, —
sunny, trees in front, good air, and friends near by. All
are pleased, and we prepare to move October ist. . . .
Father drove down very nicely. Pleased with his new
room ; Lulu charmed with her big, sunny nursery and
the play-house left for her; boys in clover; and Nan
ready for the new sort of housekeeping.
I shall miss my quiet, care- free life in B. ; but it is
best for all, so I shall try to bear the friction and the
worry many persons always bring me.
It will be an expensive winter ; but T. N. tells me the
books never sold better, so a good run in January will
make all safe.
"Lulu's Library" as a "pot-boiler" will appease the
children, and I may be able to work on "Jo's Boys."
March, 1886. — To Mrs. H.'s to hear Mr. Snyder
read the " Iliad ; " enjoyed it.
358 Louisa May Alcott.
Sixteen little girls call, and the autograph fiend is
abroad.
27//z. — Another attack of vertigo, — ill for a week;
sleepless nights. Head worked like a steam-engine ;
would not stop. Planned "Jo's Boys" to the end, and
longed to get up and write it. Told Dr. W. that he had
better let me get the ideas out, then I could rest. He
very wisely agreed, and said, " As soon as you can, write
half an hour a day, and see if it does you good. Rebel
lious brains want to be attended to, or trouble comes."
So I began as soon as able, and was satisfied that we
were right ; for my head felt better very soon, and with
much care about not overdoing, I had some pleasant
hours when I forgot my body and lived in my mind.
April. — Went on writing one or two hours a day, and
felt no ill effects.
May. — Began to think of Concord, and prepare to go
back for the summer. Father wants his books; Lulu,
her garden ; Anna, her small house ; and the boys, their
friends. I want to go away and rest.
Anna goes up the last of the month and gets the
house ready. We send Lulu and Father later, and the
boys and I shut up No. 10. . . .
June. — Home in C., — sunny, clean, and pleasant.
Put Lulu in order, and get ready for a month in Prince
ton with Mrs. H. Very tired.
A quiet three weeks on the hillside, — a valley pink
with laurel in front, Mount Wachusett behind us, and
green hills all round. A few pleasant people. I read,
sleep, walk, and write, — get fifteen chapters done. In
stinct was right ; after seven years of rest, the old brain
was ready for work and tired of feeding on itself, since
work it must at something. Enjoyed Hedge's " Hours
with German Classics," and "Baldwin," by Vernon Lee.
Last Years. 359
Home in time to get Anna and Lulu off to N. for
the summer. A. needs the rest very much, and Lulu
the freedom. I shall revel in the quiet, and finish my
book.
July. — The seashore party get off, and peace reigns.
I rest a day, and then to work. Finish "Jo's Boys,"
and take it to T. N. Much rejoicing over a new book.
Fifty thousand to be the first edition ; orders coming in
fast. Not good, — too great intervals between the parts,
as it was begun long ago ; but the children will be happy,
and my promise kept. Two new chapters were needed,
so I wrote them, and gladly corked my inkstand.
What next? Mrs. Dodge wants a serial, and T. N. a
novel. I have a dozen plots in my head, but think the
serial better come first. Want a great deal of money for
many things ; every poor soul I ever knew comes for
help, and expenses increase. I am the only money
maker, and must turn the mill for others, though my
awn grist is ground and in the barn.
The School begins. Father feeble, but goes, — for
the last time, I think.
A series of letters to her father's friend, Mrs.
Stearns, show how tenderly and carefully Louisa
watched over the slow decline of the stricken
man, but they are too full of details of the sick
room for publication. A few extracts will give
her feeling.
MAY 23 [1885].
DEAR MRS. STEARNS, — Many thanks for the sweet
nosegay you sent me. It came in good time, for to
day is the anniversary of Father's wedding-day and my
sister's silver wedding. Rather sad for both mateless
360 Loziisa May Alcott.
ones ; but we have done our best to cheer them up, and
the soft rain is very emblematic of the memories their
own quiet tears keep green.
Father remembered you, and smelled his flowers with
pleasure. He is very tired of living, and wants to " go
up," as he expresses it. A little more or little less light
would make him happier ; but the still active mind beats
against the prison bars, and rebels against the weakness
of body that prevents the old independent life. I am
afraid the end is not to be peaceful unless it is sudden,
as I hope it may be for all our sakes ; it is so wearing to
see this slow decline, and be able to do little but preach
and practise patience.
Affectionately yours, L. M. A.
SUNPAY.
It is only a temporary change, perhaps ; but I stil!
hope that it will last, and his mind grow still clearer.
These painless, peaceful days have a certain sweetness,
sad as it is to see the dear, hale old man so feeble. If
he can know us, and enjoy something of the old life,
it is worth having, though the end may come at any
moment. . . .
Now and then a word comes without effort. "Up ! "
was the first one, and seems very characteristic of this
beautiful, aspiring soul, almost on the wing for heaven.
To Mr. Niles.
NONQUIT, July 13, 1885.
DEAR MR. NILES, — I want to know if it is too late to
do it and if it is worth doing ; namely, to collect some
of the little tales I tell Lulu and put them with the two I
Last Years. 361
shall have printed the last year and the " Mermaid Tale "
to match the pictures we bought, and call it " Lulu's
Library"? I have several tiny books written down for
L. ; and as I can do no great work, it occurred to me that
I might venture to copy these if it would do for a Christ
mas book for the younger set.
I ache to fall on some of the ideas that are simmering
in my head, but dare not, as my one attempt since the
last " Jo's Boys " break-down cost me a week or two of
woe and $30 for the doctor. I have lovely long days here,
and can copy these and see 'em along if you want them.
One has gone to " Harper's Young People," and one is for
" St. Nicholas " when it is done, — about the Kindergarten
for the blind. These with Lulu's would make a little
book, and might begin a series for small folks. Old
ladies come to this twaddle when they can do nothing
else. What say you? . . .
Yours truly,
L. M. A.
SEPTEMBER 18, 1885.
DEAR MR. NILES, — I send you some funny sketches by
Mrs. L. She seems to be getting on. How would it do
to ask her to illustrate the fairy book? She has a pretty
taste in elves, and her little girl was good. I hope to
touch up the other stories this winter, and she can illus
trate, and next Christmas (or whenever it is ready) we
can have a little book out. This sort of work being all I
dare do now, I may as well be clearing the decks for
action when the order comes to " Up, and at 'em ! "
again, if it ever does.
I 'd like to help Mrs. L. if I could, as we know some
thing of her, and I fancy she needs a lift. Perhaps we
could use these pictures in some way if she liked to have
Fac-simile of Miss Alcott* s Writing.
J>
•s-n
Fac- simile of Miss Alcotfs Writing. 363
^ — ^T^0"^"
364 Louisa May Alcott.
us. Maybe I could work them into a story of our
" cullud bredren."
Thanks for the books. Dear Miss is rather prim
in her story, but it is pretty and quite correct. So differ
ent from Miss Alcott's slap-dash style.
The " H. H." book [" Ramona "] is a noble record of
the great wrongs of her chosen people, and ought to wake
up the sinners to repentance and justice before it is too
late. It recalls the old slavery days, only these victims
are red instead of black. It will be a disgrace if " H. H."
gave her work and pity all in vain.
Yours truly, L. M. A.
[1885-1
DEAR MR. NILES, — Thanks for the book which I shall
like to read.
Please tell Miss N. that she will find in Sanborn's
article in " St. Nicholas " or Mrs. Moulton's in the " Emi
nent Women " book all that I wish to have said about
myself. You can add such facts about editions, etc., as
you think best. I don't like these everlasting notices ;
one is enough, else we poor people feel like squeezed
oranges, and nothing is left sacred.
George Eliot's new life and letters is well done, and we
are not sorry we have read them. Mr. Cross has been a
wise man, and leaves us all our love and respect instead
of spoiling them as Froude did for Carlyle,
Yours truly, L. M. A.
JANUARY 2, 1886.
DEAR MR. NILES, — Thanks for the good wishes and
news. Now that I cannot work, it is very agreeable to
hear that the books go so well, and that the lazy woman
need not worry about things.
Last Years. 365
I appreciate my blessings, I assure you. I heartily
wish I could " swamp the book-room with 'Jo's Boys,' "
as Fred says, and hope to do it by and by when head and
hand can safely obey the desire of the heart, which will
never be too tired or too old to remember and be
grateful.
Your friend, L. M. ALCOTT.
MONDAY, A. M. [i886J.
DEAR MR. NILES, — My doctor forbids me to begin a
long book or anything that will need much thought this
summer. So I must give up "Tragedy of To-day," as it
will need a good deal of thinking to be what it ought.
I can give you a girls' book however, and I think that
will be better than a novel. I have several stories done,
and can easily do more and make a companion vol
ume for " Spinning- Wheel Stories " at Christmas if you
want it.
This, with the Lulu stories, will be better than the set
of novels I am sure. . . . Wait till I can do a novel, and
then get out the set in style, if Alcott is not forgotten by
that time.
I was going to send Mrs. Dodge one of the tales for
girls, and if there is time she might have more. But
nearly all new ones would make a book go well in the
holiday season. You can have those already done now if
you want them. "Sophie's Secret" is one, "An Ivy
Spray: or Cinderella's Slippers " another, and "Moun
tain Laurel " is partly done. " A Garland for Girls "
might do for a title perhaps, as they are all for girls.
Yours truly, L. M. A.
In the spring of 1886, Dr. Rhoda Lawrence took
charge of Miss Alcott' s health, and gave her treat-
366 Louisa May Alcott.
ment by massage and other appropriate means, from
which she received benefit. The summer was spent
at Concord with her father, and was varied by a
pleasant trip to the mountains. Miss Alcott fin
ished "Jo's Boys," which was published in Sep
tember. She occupied herself also in looking
over old journals and letters, and destroyed many
things which she did not wish to have come under
the public eye. She had enjoyed her life at Prince
ton, and said that she felt better than for fifteen
years ; but in August she was severely attacked
with rheumatism and troubled with vertigo. She
suffered very much, and was in a very nervous
condition.
Miss Alcott always looked bravely and calmly
upon all the possibilities of life, and she now made
full preparations for the event of her own death.
Her youngest nephew had always been especially
beloved, and she decided to take out papers of
adoption, to make him legally her son and heir.
She wished him to assume the name of Alcott, and
to be her representative.
Louisa's journal closes July, 1886, with the old
feeling, — that she must grind away at the mill and
make money to supply the many claims that press
upon her from all sides. She feels the burden
of every suffering human life upon her own soul.
She knew that she could write what was eagerly
desired by others and would bring her the means
of helping those in need, and her heart and head
united in urging her to work. Whether it would
have been possible for her to have rested more
fully, and whether she might then have worked
Last Years. 367
longer and better, is one of those questions which
no one is wise enough to answer. Yet the warning
of her life should not be neglected, and the eager
brain should learn to obey the laws of life and
health while it is yet time.
In September, 1886, Miss Alcott returned to
Louisburg Square, and spent the winter in the care
of her father, and in the society of her sister and
nephews and the darling child. She suffered much
from hoarseness, from nervousness and debility, and
from indigestion and sleeplessness, but still exerted
herself for the comfort of all around her. She had
a happy Christmas, and sympathized with the joy
of her oldest nephew in his betrothal. In Decem
ber she was so weary and worn that she went out
to Dr. Lawrence's home in Roxbury for rest and
care. She found such relief to her overtasked
brain and nerves from the seclusion and quiet of
Dunreath Place, that she found her home and rest
there for the remainder of her life.
It was a great trial to Louisa to be apart from
her family, to whom she had devoted her life. She
clung to her dying father, and to the dear sister still
left to her, with increasing fondness, and she longed
for her boys and her child ; but her tired nerves
could not bear even the companionship of her
family, and sometimes for days she wanted to be
all alone. " I feel so safe out here ! " she said
once.
Mr. Alcott spent the summer at Melrose, and
Louisa went there to visit him in June. In June
and July, 1887, she went to Concord and looked
over papers and completed the plan for adopting
368 Louisa May Alcott.
her nephew. She afterward went to Princeton, ac
companied by Dr. Lawrence. She spent eight
weeks there, and enjoyed the mountain air and
scenery with something of her old delight. She
was able to walk a mile or more, and took a solitary
walk in the morning, which she greatly enjoyed.
Her evening walk was less agreeable, because she
was then exposed to the eager curiosity of sight
seers, who constantly pursued her.
Miss Alcott had a great intellectual pleasure here
in the society of Mr. James Murdock and his family.
The distinguished elocutionist took great pains to
gratify her taste for dramatic reading by selecting
her favorite scenes for representation, and she even
attended one of his public readings given in the
hall of the hotel. The old pain in her limbs from
which she suffered during her European journey
again troubled her, and she returned to Dr. Law
rence's home in the autumn, where she was ten
derly cared for.
Miss Alcott was still continually planning stories.
Dr. Lawrence read to her a great deal, and the read
ing often suggested subjects to her. She thought of
a series to be called " Stories of All Nations," and
had already written " Trudel's Siege," which was
published in " St. Nicholas," April, 1888, the scene
of which was laid at the siege of Leyden. The
English story was to be called " Madge Wildfire,"
and she had thought of plots for others. She could
write very little, and kept herself occupied and
amused with fancy work, making flowers and pen
wipers of various colors, in the form of pinks, to
send to her friends.
Last Years. 369
On her last birthday Louisa received a great many
flowers and pleasant remenrbrances, which touched
her deeply, and she said, " I did not mean to cry
to-day, but I can't help it, everybody is so good."
She went in to see her father every few days, and
was conscious that he was drawing toward the end.
While riding with her friend, Louisa would tell
her of the stories she had planned, one of which
was to be called " The Philosopher's Wooing,"
referring to Thoreau. She also had a musical
novel in her mind. She could not be idle, and
having a respect for sewing, she busied herself
with it, making garments for poor children, or help
ing the Doctor in her work. She insisted upon
setting up a work-basket for the Doctor, amply
supplied with necessary materials, and was pleased
when she saw them used. A flannel garment for a
poor child was the last work of her hands. Her
health improved in February, especially in the
comfort of her nights, as the baths she took
brought her the long-desired sleep. " Nothing
so good as sleep," she said. But a little too much
excitement brought on violent headaches.
During these months Miss Alcott wrote part of
the " Garland for Girls," one of the most fanciful
and pleasing of her books. These stories were sug
gested by the flowers sent to her by different
friends, which she fully enjoyed. She rode a
great deal, but did not see any one.
Her friends were much encouraged ; and al
though they dared not expect full recovery, they
hoped that she might be " a comfortable invalid,
able to enjoy life, and give help and pleasure to
24
37° Louisa May Alcott.
others." She did not suffer great pain, but she
was very weak ; her nervous system seemed to
be utterly prostrated by the years of work and
struggle through which she had passed. She said,
" I don't want to live if I can't be of use." She
had always met the thought of death bravely ; and
even the separation from her dearest friends was
serenely borne. She believed in their continued
presence and influence, and felt that the parting,
was for a little time. She had no fear of God, and
no doubt of the future. Her only sadness was in
leaving the friends whom she loved and who might
yet need her.
A young man wrote asking Miss Alcott if she
would advise him to devote himself to authorship ;
she answered, " Not if you can do anything else.
Even dig ditches." He followed her advice, and
took a situation where he could support himself,
but he still continued to write stories. A little
boy sent twenty-five cents to buy her books. She
returned the money, telling him it was not enough
to buy books, but sent him " Little Men." Scores
of letters remained unanswered for want of strength
to write or even to read.
Early in March Mr. Alcott failed very rapidly.
Louisa drove in to see him, and was conscious that
it was for the last time. Tempted by the warm
spring-like day, she had made some change in
her dress, and absorbed in the thought of the part
ing, when she got into the carriage she forgot to
put on the warm fur cloak she had worn.
The next morning she complained of violent
pain in her head, amounting to agony. The physi-
Last Years. 371
cian who had attended her for the last weeks was
called. He felt that the situation was very serious.
She herself asked, " Is it not meningitis?" The
trouble on the brain increased rapidly. She recog
nized her dear young nephew for a moment and
her friendly hostess, but was unconscious of every
thing else. So, at 3.30 P. M., March 6, 1888, she
passed quietly on to the rest which she so much
needed. She did not know that her father had al
ready preceded her.
The friends of the family who gathered to pay
their last tribute of respect and love to the aged
father were met at the threshold by the startling
intelligence, " Louisa Alcott is dead," and a deeper
sadness fell upon every heart. The old patriarch
had gone to his rest in the fulness of time, " corn
ripe for the sickle," but few realized how entirely
his daughter had worn out her earthly frame. Her
friends had hoped for renewed health and strength,
and for even greater and nobler work from her with
her ripened powers and greater ease and leisure.
Miss Alcott had made every arrangement for her
death ; and by her own wish the funeral service was
very simple, in her father's rooms at Louisburg
Square, and attended only by a few of her family
and nearest friends. They read her exquisite poem
to her mother, her father's noble tribute to her, and
spoke of the earnestness and truth of her life. She
was remembered as she would have wished to be.
Her body was carried to Concord and placed in
the beautiful cemetery of Sleepy Hollow where
her dearest ones were already laid to rest. " Her
boys " went beside her as " a guard of honor," and
3/2 Louisa May Alcott.
stood around as she was placed across the feet of
father, mother, and sister, that she might " take
care of them as she had done all her life."
Of the silent grief of the bereaved family I will
not speak, but the sound of mourning filled all the
land, and was re-echoed from foreign shores. The
children everywhere had lost their friend. Miss
Alcott had entered into their hearts and revealed
them to themselves. In her childish journal her
oldest sister said, " I have not a secret from Louisa ;
I tell her everything, and am not afraid she will
think me silly." It was this respect for the thought
and life of children that gave Louisa Alcott her
great power of winning their respect and affection.
Nothing which was real and earnest to them seemed
unimportant to her.
LAST LETTERS.
To Mr. Niles.
SUNDAY, 1886.
DEAR MR. NILES, — The goodly supply of books was
most welcome ; for when my two hours pen-work are over
I need something to comfort me, and I long to go on
and finish "Jo's Boys " by July ist.
My doctor frowns on that hope, and is so sure it will
do mischief to get up the steam that I am afraid to try,
and keep Prudence sitting on the valve lest the old en
gine run away and have another smash-up.
I send you by Fred several chapters, I wish they were
neater, as some were written long ago and have knocked
Last Years. 373
about for years ; but I can't spare time to copy, so hope
the printers won't be in despair.
I planned twenty chapters and am on the fifteenth.
Some are long, some short, and as we are pressed for
time we had better not try to do too much.
... I have little doubt it will be done early in July,
but things are so contrary with me I can never be sure of
carrying out a plan, and I don't want to fail again ; so far
I feel as if I could, without harm, finish off these dreadful
boys.
Why have any illustrations? The book is not a child's
book, as the lads are nearly all over twenty, and pretty
pictures are not needed. Have the bas-relief if you like,
or one good thing for frontispiece.
I can have twenty- one chapters and make it the size
of " Little Men." Sixteen chapters make two hundred
and sixteen pages, and I may add a page here and there
later, — or if need be, a chapter somewhere to fill up.
I shall be at home in a week or two, much better for
the rest and fine air ; and during my quiet days in C.
I can touch up proofs and confer about the book. Sha'n't
we be glad when it is done ?
Yours truly,
L. M. A.
To Mrs. Dodge.
JUNE 29.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — I will evolve something for De
cember (D. V.) and let you have it as soon as it is done.
Lu and I go to Nonquit next week ; and after a few
days of rest, I will fire up the old engine and see if it. will
run a short distance without a break-down.
There are usually about forty young people at N., and
I think I can get a hint from some of them.
374 Louisa May Alcott.
Had a call from Mr. Burroughs and Mr. Gilder last
eve. Mr. G. asked if you were in B., but I did n't
know.
Father remains comfortable and happy among his
books. Our lads are making their first visit to New York,
and may call on " St. Nick," whom they have made their
patron saint.
I should like to own the last two bound volumes of
" St. Nicholas," for Lulu. She adores the others, and
they are nearly worn out with her loving but careless
luggings up and down for " more towries, Aunt Wee-wee."
Charge to
Yours affectionately,
L. M. A.
P. S. — Wasn't I glad to see you in my howling wil
derness of wearisome domestic worrits ! Come again.
CONCORD, August 15.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — I like the idea of " Spinning-
Wheel Stories," and can do several for a series which
can come out in a book later. Old-time tales, with a
thread running through all from the wheel that enters in
the first one.
A Christmas party of children might be at an old
farm-house and hunt up the wheel, and grandma spins and
tells the first story ; and being snow-bound, others amuse
the young folks each evening with more tales. Would
that do? The mother and child picture would come in
nicely for the first tale, — " Grandma and her Mother."
Being at home and quiet for a week or so (as Father
is nicely and has a capable nurse), I have begun the
serial, and done two chapters ; but the spinning-tales
come tumbling into my mind so fast I 'd better pin a
few while " genius burns." Perhaps you would like to
Last Years. 375
start the set Christmas. The picture being ready and
the first story can be done in a week, " Sophie's Secret "
can come later. Let me know if you would like that,
and about how many pages of the paper " S. S." was
written on you think would make the required length of
tale (or tail?). If you don't want No. i yet, I will take
my time and do several.
The serial was to be " Mrs. Gay's Summer School,"
and have some city girls and boys go to an old farm
house, and for fun dress and live as in old times, and
learn the good, thrifty old ways, with adventures and fun
thrown in. That might come in the spring, as it takes
me longer to grind out yarns now than of old.
Glad you are better. Thanks for kind wishes for the
little house ; come and see it, and gladden the eyes of
forty young admirers by a sight of M. M. D. next year.
Yours affectionately,
L. M. A.
31 CHESTNUT ST., DECEMBER 31.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — A little cousin, thirteen years
old, has written a story and longs to see it in print. It is
a well written bit and pretty good for a beginner, so I
send it to you hoping it may find a place in the children's
corner. She is a grandchild of S. J. May, and a bright
lass who paints nicely and is a domestic little person in
spite of her budding accomplishments. Good luck to
her!
I hoped to have had a Christmas story for some one,
but am forbidden to write for six months, after a bad turn
of vertigo. So I give it up and take warning. All good
wishes for the New Year.
From yours affectionately,
L. M. ALCOTT.
376 Louisa May Alcott.
To Mr. Niles.
1886.
DEAR MR. NILES, — Sorry you don't like the bas-relief
[of herself] ; I do. A portrait, if bright and comely,
would n't be me, and if like me would disappoint the
children ; so we had better let them imagine " Aunt Jo
young and beautiful, with her hair in two tails down her
back," as the little girl said.
In haste, L. M. A.
To Mrs. Bond.
CONCORD, Tuesday, 1886.
DEAR AUNTIE, — I want to find Auntie Gwinn, and
don 't know whom to ask but you, as your big motherly
heart yearns over all the poor babies, and can tell them
where to go when the nest is bare. A poor little woman
has just died, leaving four children to a drunken father.
Two hard-working aunts do all they can, and one will
take the oldest girl. We want to put the two small girls
and boy into a home till we can see what comes next.
Lulu clothes one, and we may be able to put one with a
cousin. But since the mother died last Wednesday they
are very forlorn, and must be helped. If we were not
so full I'd take one ; but Lu is all we can manage
now.
There is a home at Auburndale, but it is full ; and I
know of no other but good Auntie Gwinn's. What is her
address, please? I shall be in town on Saturday, and
can go and see her if I know where.
Don't let it be a bother ; but one turns at once in such
cases to the saints for direction, and the poor aunts don't
known what to do ; so this aunt comes to the auntie
of all.
Last Years. 377
I had a pleasant chat with the Papa in the cars, and
was very glad to hear that W. is better. My love to
both and S.
Thanks for the news of portraits. I '11 bear them in
mind if G. H. calls. Lulu and Anna send love, and 1
am as always,
Your LOUISA ALCOTT.
To Mrs. Dodge.
APRIL 13, 1886.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — I am glad you are going to have
such a fine outing. May it be a very happy one.
I cannot promise anything, but hope to be allowed to
write a little, as my doctor has decided that it is as well
to let me put on paper the tales " knocking at the sauce
pan lid and demanding to be taken out " (like Mrs.
Cratchit's potatoes), as to have them go on worrying me
inside. So I'm scribbling at "Jo's Boys," long prom
ised to Mr. Niles and clamored for by the children. 1
may write but one hour a day, so cannot get on very fast ;
but if it is ever done, I can think of a serial for " St.
Nicholas." I began one, and can easily start it for '88,
if head and hand allow. I will simmer on it this summer,
and see if it can be done. Hope so, for I don't want to
give up work so soon.
I have read " Mrs. Null," but don't like it very
well, — too slow and colorless after Tolstoi's " Anna
Karanina."
I met Mr. and Mrs. S. at Mrs. A.'s this winter. Mr.
Stockton's child-stories I like very much. The older
ones are odd but artificial.
Now, good-by, and God be with you, dear woman, and
bring you safely home to us all.
Affectionately yours, L. M. ALCOTT.
378 Louisa May Alcott.
To Mrs. Bond.
DUNREATH PLACE, ROXBURY, March 15. 1887.
DEAR AUNTIE, — I have been hoping to get out and
see you all winter, but have been so ill I could only live
on hope as a relish to my gruel, — that being my only
food, and not of a nature to give me strength. Now I
am beginning to live a little, and feel less like a sick
oyster at low tide. The spring days will set me up I
trust, and my first pilgrimage shall be to you ; for I want
you to see how prettily my May-flower is blossoming into
a fine off-shoot of the old plant.
Lizzy Wells has probably told you our news of Fred
and his little bride, and Anna written you about it as
only a proud mamma can.
Father is very comfortable, but says sadly as he looks
up from his paper, " Beecher has gone now ; all go but
me." Please thank Mr. Bond for the poems, which are
interesting, even to a poor, ignorant worm who does
not know Latin. Mother would have enjoyed them
very much. I should have acknowledged his kindness
sooner; but as I am here in Roxbury my letters are
forwarded, and often delayed.
I was sorry to hear that you were poorly again. Is n't
it hard to sit serenely in one's soul when one's body is in
a dilapidated state ? I find it a great bore, but try to do
it patiently, and hope to see the why by and by, when
this mysterious life is made clear to me. I had a lovely
dream about that, and want to tell it you some day.
Love to all.
Ever yours, L. M. A.
Her publisher wished to issue a new edition
of " A Modern Mephistophclcs," and to add to it
Last Years. 3 79
her story " A Whisper in the Dark," to which she
consented.
MAY 6, 1887.
DEAR MR. NILES. — This is about what I want to say.
You may be able to amend or suggest something. I only
want it understood that the highfalutin style was for a
disguise, though the story had another purpose ; for I 'm
not ashamed of it, and like it better than " Work " or
" Moods."
Yours in haste, L. M. A.
P. S. — Do you want more fairy tales ?
Preface.
" A Modern Mephistopheles " was written among the
earlier volumes of the No Name Series, when the chief
:dea of the authors was to puzzle their readers by dis
guising their style as much as possible, that they might
enjoy the guessing and criticism as each novel appeared.
This book was very successful in preserving its incognito ;
and many persons still insist that it could not have been
written by the author of " Little Women." As I much en
joyed trying to embody a shadow of my favorite poem in
a story, as well as the amusement it has afforded those in
the secret for some years, it is considered well to add
this volume to the few romances which are offered, not
as finished work by any means, but merely attempts
at something graver than magazine stories or juvenile
literature.
L. M. ALCOTT.
SATURDAY A. M., May 7, 1887.
DEAR MR. NILES, —Yours just come. "A Whisper"
is rather a lurid tale, but might do if I add a few lines to
Fac-simile of Preface to " A Modern
Mephistopheles?
V
Fac-simile of Preface.
381
382 Louisa May Alcott.
the preface of " Modern Mephistopheles," saying that
this is put in to fill the volume, or to give a sample of
Jo March's necessity stories, which many girls have asked
for. Would that do?
It seems to me that it would be better to wait till I
can add a new novel, and then get out the set. Mean
time let " Modern Mephistopheles " go alone, with my
name, as a summer book before Irving comes [Irving as
Faust] .
I hope to do "A Tragedy of To-day" this summer,
and it can come out in the fall or next spring, with
" Modern Mephistopheles," " Work," and " Moods."
A spunky new one would make the old ones go.
" Hospital Sketches " is not cared for now, and is filled
up with other tales you know. . . .
Can that plan be carried out? I have begun my
tragedy, and think it will be good ; also a shorter thing
called " Anna : An Episode," in which I do up Boston
in a jolly way, with a nice little surprise at the end. It
would do to fill up " Modern Mephistopheles," as it is
not long, unless I want it to be.
I will come in next week and see what can be
done. Yours truly,
L. M. A.
To Mrs. Bond.
SUNDAY, Oct. 16, [1887].
DEAR AUNTIE, — As you and I belong to the " Shut-in
Society," we may now and then cheer each other by a
line. Your note and verse are very good to me to-day,
as I sit trying to feel all right in spite of the stiffness that
won't walk, the rebel stomach that won't work, and the
tired head that won't rest.
My verse lately has been from the little poem found
under a good soldier's pillow in the hospital.
Last Years. 383
I am no longer eager, bold, and strong, — -
All that is past ;
I am ready not fo do
At last — at last.
My half-day's work is done,
And this is all my part.
I give a patient God
My patient heart.
The learning not to do is so hard after being the hub
to the family wheel so long. But it is good ibr the ener
getic ones to find that the world can get on without them,
and to learn to be still, to give up, and wait cheerfully.
As we have " fell into poetry," as Silas Wegg says, I add
a bit of my own ; for since you are Marmee now, I feel
that you won't laugh at my poor attempts any more than
she did, even when I burst forth at the ripe age of eight.
Love to all the dear people, and light to the kind eyes
that have made sunshine for others so many years.
Always your Lu.
To Mrs. Bond, with first copy of " Luliis Library"
second volume.
OCTOBER, 1887.
DEAR AUNTIE, — I always gave Mother the first author's
copy of a new book. As her representative on earth,
may I send you, with my love, the little book to come
out in November?
The tales were told at sixteen to May and her play
mates ; then are related to May's daughter at five ; and
for the sake of these two you may care to have them for
the little people.
I am still held by the leg, but seem to gain a little,
and hope to be up by and by. Slow work, but part of
384 Louisa May Alcott.
the discipline I need, doubtless ; so I take it as well as
I can.
You and I won't be able to go to the golden wedding
of S. J. May. I have been alone so long I feel as if I 'd
like to see any one, and be in the good times again.
L. W. reports you as "nicely, and sweet as an angel;"
so I rejoice, and wish I could say the same of
Your loving Lu.
To Mrs. Dodge.
DECEMBER 22, 1887.
DEAR MRS. DODGE, — I send you the story your assist
ant editor asked for. As it is needed at once I do not
delay to copy it, for I can only write an hour a day and
do very little. You are used to my wild manuscript, and
will be able to read it. I meant to have sent the Chinese
tale, but this was nearly done, and so it goes, as it does
not matter where we begin. ... I hope you are well,
and full of the peace which work well done gives the
happy doer.
I mend slowly, but surely, and my good Doctor says
my best work is yet to come ; so I will be content with
health if I can get it. With all good wishes,
Yours affectionately, L. M. A.
To Mrs. Bond.
FEBRUARY 7 [1888].
DEAR AUNTIE, — My blessed Anna is so busy, and I
can do so little to help her, I feel as if I might take upon
me the pleasant duty of writing to you.
Father is better, and we are all so grateful, for just
now we want all to be bright for our boy.
Last Years. 385
The end is not far off, but Father rallies wonderfully
from each feeble spell, and keeps serene and happy
through everything.
I don't ask to keep him now that life is a burden, and
am glad to have him go before it becomes a pain. We
shall miss the dear old white head and the feeble saint so
long our care ; but as Anna says, " He will be with
Mother." So we shall be happy in the hope of that
meeting.
Sunday he seemed very low, and I was allowed to
drive in and say "good-by." He knew me and smiled,
and kissed "Weedy," as he calls me, and I thought the
drowsiness and difficulty of breathing could not last long.
But he revived, got up, and seemed so much as usual, I
may be able to see him again. It is a great grief that
I am not there as I was with Lizzie and Mother, but
though much better, the shattered nerves won't bear
much yet, and quiet is my only cure.
I sit alone and bless the little pair like a fond old
grandmother. You show me how to do it. With love
to all,
Yours ever, Lu.
Her last note. To Mrs. Bond.
FEBRUARY 8, 1888.
Air, — "Haste to the Wedding."
DEAR AUNTIE, — I little knew what a sweet surprise
was in store for me when I wrote to you yesterday.
As I awoke this morning my good Doctor L. came
in with the lovely azalea, her round face beaming through
the leaves like a full moon.
It was very dear of you to remember me, and cheer
Up my lonely day with such a beautiful guest.
386 Louisa May Alcott.
It stands beside me on Marmee's work-table, and re
minds me tenderly of her favorite flowers; and among
those used at her funeral was a spray of this, which lasted
for two weeks afterward, opening bud after bud in the
glass on her table, where lay the dear old "Jos. May"
hymn book, and her diary with the pen shut in as she left
it when she last wrote there, three days before the end,
"The twilight is closing about me, and I am going to
rest in the arms of my children."
So you see I love the delicate flower, and enjoy it very
much.
I can write now, and soon hope to come out and see
you for a few minutes, as I drive out every fine day, and
go to kiss my people once a week for fifteen minutes.
Slow climbing, but I don't slip back ; so think up my
mercies, and sing cheerfully, as dear Marmee used to do,
" Thus far the Lord has led me on ! "
Your loving Lu.
CHAPTER XII.
CONCLUSION.
TO MY FATHER,
ON HIS EIGHTY-SIXTH BIRTHDAY.
DEAR Pilgrim, waiting patiently,
The long, long journey nearly done,
Beside the sacred stream that flows
Clear shining in the western sun;
Look backward on the varied road
Your steadfast feet have trod,
From youth to age, through weal and woe,
Climbing forever nearer God.
Mountain and valley lie behind ;
The slough is crossed, the wicket passed;
Doubt and despair, sorrow and sin,
Giant and fiend, conquered at last.
Neglect is changed to honor now ;
The heavy cross may be laid down ;
The white head wins and wears at length
The prophet's, not the martyr's, crown.
Greatheart and Faithful gone before,
Brave Christiana, Mercy sweet,
Are Shining Ones who stand and wait
The weary wanderer to greet.
Patience and Love his handmaids are,
And till time brings release,
Christian may rest in that bright room
Whose windows open to the east.
The staff set by, the sandals off,
Still pondering the precious scroll,
Serene and strong, he waits the call
That frees and wings a happy soul.
Then, beautiful as when it lured
The boy's aspiring eyes,
Before the pilgrim's longing sight
Shall the Celestial City rise.
November 29, 1885. L. M. A.
388 Louisa May Alcott.
MISS ALCOTT'S appearance was striking
and impressive rather than beautiful. Her
figure was tall and well-proportioned, indicating
strength and activity, and she walked with free
dom and majesty. Her head was large, and her
rich brown hair was long and luxuriant, giving a
sense of fulness and richness of life to her massive
features. While thoroughly unconventional, and
even free and easy in her manner, she had a dig
nity of deportment which prevented undue lib
erties, and made intruders stand in awe of her.
Generous in the extreme in serving others, she
knew her own rights, and did not allow them to
be trampled on. She repelled " the spurns that
patient merit of the unworthy takes," and had
much of the Burns spirit that sings " A man 's
a man for a' that" in the presence of insolent
grandeur.
Miss Alcott always took her stand not for herself,
but for her family, her class, her sex. The humblest
writer should not be imposed upon in her person ;
every woman should be braver and stronger from
her attitude. She was careless of outward distinc
tions ; but she enjoyed the attentions which her
fame brought her with simple pleasure, and was
delighted to meet bright, intelligent, distinguished
people, who added to her stores of observation arid
thought. She had the rare good fortune, which an
heir of millions might envy, of living all her life in
the society of the noblest men and women. The
Emersons, the Thoreaus, the Hawthornes, and Miss
Elizabeth Peabody were the constant companions
of her childhood and youth. It was from them
Conclusion. 389
that her standard of character was formed, and she
could never enter any circle higher than that in
which she had breathed freely from a child. She
was quite capable of hero-worship, but her heroes
were few.
With all her imagination and romance, Miss
Alcott was a tremendous destroyer of illusions;
she remorselessly tore them away from herself,
persisting in holding a lens before every fault and
folly of her own, and she did the same for those
she loved best. Only what was intrinsically noble
and true could stand the searching test of her
intellectual scrutiny and keen perception of the
incongruous and ridiculous.
This disposition was apparent in Louisa's rela
tion to her father, whom she did not always fully
understand. Perhaps he had a perception of this
when he wrote —
" I press thee to my heart, as Duty's faithful child."
She had little sympathy with his speculative fancy,
and saw plainly the impracticability of liis schemes,
and did not hesitate to touch with light and kindly
satire his little peculiarities ; yet in her deepest
heart she gave him not only affection, but deep
reverence. She felt the nobility and grandeur of
his mind and heart. In u Little Women " the por
trait of the father is less vivid and less literal than
that of any other member of the family, and is
scarcely recognizable ; but it was impossible to
make the student and idealist a part of the family
life as she painted it, — full of fun, frolic, and ad
venture. In the second part she has taken pains
390 Louisa May Alcott.
to make up for this seeming neglect, and pays hom
age to the quiet man at the end of the house,
whose influence was so potent and so sweet over
all within it.
Mrs. Alcott was a rich and noble nature, full of
zeal and impulse, daily struggling with a temper
threatening to burst out into fire, ready to fight
like a lioness for her young, or to toil for them till
Nature broke down under the burden. She had
a rich appreciation of heroism and beauty in all
noble living, a true love of literature, and an over
flowing sympathy with all suffering humanity, but
was also capable of righteous indignation and with
ering contempt. To this mother, royal in her
motherhood, Louisa was bound by the closest ties
of filial love and mutual understanding. She early
believed herself to be her mother's favorite child,
knew she was close to her heart, her every struggle
watched, her every fault rebuked, every aspiration
encouraged, every effort after good recognized. I
think Louisa felt no pride in this preference. She
knew that she was dear to her mother, because
her stormy, wayward heart was best understood by
her ; and hence the mother, wiser for her child than
for herself, watched her unfolding life with anxious
care. Throughout the childish journal this relation
is evident: the child's heart lies open to the mother,
and the mother can help her because she under
stands her, and holds sacred every cry of her
heart.
Such a loving relation to a mother — so rich, so
full, so enduring — was the greatest possible bless
ing to her life. And richly did Louisa repay the
Conclusion. 391
care. From her earliest years she was her mother's
confidante, friend, and comforter. Her dream of
success was not of fame and glory, but of the time
when she could bring this weary pilgrim into " that
chamber whose name is Peace," and there bid her
sit with folded hands, listening to the loving voices
of her children, and drinking in the fulness of life
without care or anxiety.
And it all came true, like the conclusion of a
fairy story; for good fairies had been busy at
work for many years preparing the way. Who
that saw that mother resting from her labors,
proud in her children's success, happy in her
husband's contentment, and in the love that had
never faltered in the darkest days, can ever forget
the peace of her countenance, the loving joy of
her heart ?
The relation of Miss Alcott to her older sister
was of entire trust and confidence. Anna inher
ited the serene, unexacting temper of her father,
with much of the loving warmth of her mother.
She loved to hide behind her gifted sister, and
to keep the ingle-side warm for her to retreat to
when she was cold and weary. Anna's fine intel
lectual powers were shown more in the appreci
ation of others than in the expression of herself;
her dramatic skill and her lively fancy, combined
with her affection for Louisa, made her always
ready to second all the plans for entertainment or
benevolence. She appears in her true light in the
sweet, lovable Meg of " Little Women ; " and if
she never had the fame and pecuniary success of
her sister, she had the less rare, but equally satis-
3Q2 Louisa May Alcott.
fying, happiness of wifehood and motherhood.
And thus she repaid to Louisa what she had so
generously done for the family, by giving her new
objects of affection, and connecting her with a
younger generation.
Louisa was always very fond of boys, and the
difference of nature gave her an insight into their
trials and difficulties without giving her a painful
sense of her own hard struggles. In her nephews
she found objects for all her wise and tender care,
which they repaid with devoted affection. When
boys became men, " they were less interesting to
her; she could not understand them."
Elizabeth was unlike the other sisters. Retiring
in disposition, she would gladly have ever lived in
the privacy of home, her only desire being for
the music that she loved. The father's ideality
was in her a tender religious feeling; the mother's
passionate impulse, a self-abnegating affection.
She was in the family circle what she is in the
book, — a strain of sweet, sad music we long and
love to hear, and yet which almost breaks the
heart with its forecasting of separation. She was
very dear to both the father and mother, and the
picture of the father watching all night by the
marble remains of his child is very touching. He
might well say, —
" Ah, me ! life is not life deprived of thee."
Of the youngest of all, — bright, sparkling, capri
cious May, — quick in temper, quick in repentance,
affectionate and generous, but full of her own plans,
and quite inclined to have the world go on accord-
Conclusion. 393
ing to her fancies, — I have spoken elsewhere.
Less profound in her intellectual and religious
nature than either of her sisters, she was like a
nymph of Nature, full of friendly sportiveness, and
disposed to live out her own life, since it might
be only a brief summer day. She was Anna's
special child, and Louisa was not always so patient
with her as the older sister; yet how well Louisa
understood her generous nature is shown by the
beautiful sketch she has made of her in " Little
Women." She was called the lucky one of the
family, and she reaped the benefit of her generous
sister's labors in her opportunities of education.
Miss Alcott's literary work is so closely inter
woven with her personal life that it needs little
separate mention. Literature was undoubtedly her
true pursuit, and she loved and honored it. That
she had her ambitious longings for higher forms
of art than the pleasant stories for children is evi
dent from her journals, and she twice attempted
to paint the life of mature men and women strug
gling with great difficulties. In " Moods " and
" A Modern Mephistopheles " we have proof of
her interest in difficult subjects. I have spoken
of them in connection with her life ; but while
they evince great power, and if standing alone
would have stamped her as an author of original
observation and keen thought, they can hardly be
considered as thoroughly successful, and certainly
have not won the sanction of the public like " Hos
pital Sketches " and " Little Women." Could she
ever have commanded quiet leisure, with a toler
able degree of health, she might have wrought her
394 Louisa May Alcott.
fancies into a finer fabric, and achieved the success
she aimed at.
Much as Miss Alcott loved literature, it was not
an end in itself to her, but a means. Her heart was
so bound up in her family, — she felt it so fully to
be her sacred mission to provide for their wants,
— that she sacrificed to it all ambitious dreams,
health, leisure, — everything but her integrity of
soul. But as " he that loseth his life shall find it,"
she has undoubtedly achieved a really greater work
than if she had not had this constant stimulus to
exertion. In her own line of work she is unsur
passed. While she paints in broad, free strokes
the life of her own day, represented mostly by
children and young people, she has always a
high moral purpose, which gives strength and
sweetness to the delineation ; yet one never hears
children complain of her moralizing, — it is events
that reveal the lesson she would enforce. Her
own deep nature shines through all the expe
riences of her characters, and impresses upon
the children's hearts a sense of reality and truth.
She charms them, wisely, to love the common
virtues of truth, unselfishness, kindness, industry,
and honesty. Dr. Johnson said children did not
want to hear about themselves, but about giants
and fairies ; but while Miss Alcott could weave
fairy fancies for them, they are quite as pleased
with her real boys and girls in the plainest of
costumes.
An especial merit of these books for young boys
and girls is their purity of feeling. The family
affection which was so predominant in the author's
Conclusion. 395
own life, always appears as the holiest and sweetest
phase of human nature. She does not refuse to
paint the innocent love and the happy marriage
which it is natural for every young heart to be in
terested in, but it is in tender, modest colors. She
does not make it the master and tyrant of the soul,
nor does she ever connect it with sensual imagery;
but it appears as one of " God's holy ordinances,"
- natural and beautiful, — and is not separated
from the thought of work and duty and self-
sacrifice for others. No mother fears that her
books will brush the bloom of modesty from the
faces of her young men or maidens.
Even in the stories of her early period of work
for money, which she wisely renounced as trash,
while there is much that is thoroughly worthless as
art, and little that has any value, Miss Alcott never
falls into grossness of thought or baseness of feeling.
She is sentimental, melodramatic, exaggerated, and
unreal in her descriptions, but the stories leave no
taint of evil behind them. Two of these stories,
''The Baron's Gloves" and "A Whisper in the
Dark," have been included in her published works,
with her permission. Her friends are disposed to
regret this, as they do not add to her reputation ;
but at least they serve to show the quality of work
which she condemned so severely, and to satisfy
the curiosity of readers in regard to it. It would
be easy to point out defects in her style, and in
some of her books there is evidence of the enforced
drudgery of production, instead of the spontaneous
flow of thought. The most serious defect is in
her style of expression, which certainly passes the
396 Louisa May Alcott.
fine line between colloquial ease and slang; it
is her own natural, peculiar style, which appears
in her journals and letters. That it is attractive to
children is certain, but it offends the taste of those
who love purity and elegance of speech. It does
not appear in Louisa's more ambitious novels ; here
she sometimes falls into the opposite extreme of
labored and stilted expression. But much of these
books is written in a pure and beautiful style, show
ing that she could have united ease with elegance
if she had not so constantly worked at high speed
and with little revision. She was a great admirer
of Dickens's writings; and although she has never
imitated him, she was perhaps strengthened in
her habit of using dashing, expressive language by
so fascinating a model.
I have placed at the head of each chapter one
of Miss Alcott's own poems, usually written at the
period of which the chapter treats, and characteristic
of her life at that time. Her first literary essay was
the " Little Robin." But although her fond mother
saw the future of a great poet in these simple verses,
Louisa never claimed the title for herself. Her
thoughts ran often into rhyme, and she sent many
birthday and Christmas verses to her friends and
especially to her father. They are usually playful.
She always wrote to express some feeling of the
hour, and I find no objective or descriptive poetry.
But a few of her sacred poems, for we may cer
tainly call them so, are very tender and beautiful,
and deserve a permanent place among the poems
of feeling, — those few poems which a true heart
writes for itself. "Thoreau's Flute" was originally
Conclusion. 397
published in the " Atlantic Monthly." It is the
least personal o'f her poems. The lines to her
father on his eighty-sixth birthday, the verses
dedicated to her mother, and " My Prayer," the
last poem that she wrote, breathe her deepest
religious feeling in sweet and fitting strains. They
will speak to the hearts of many in the hours
of trial which are common to humanity. The
long playful poem called " The Lay of the Golden
Goose " was sent home from Europe as an an
swer to many questions from her admirers and
demands for new stories. It has never been pub
lished, and is an interesting specimen of her playful
rhyming.
While to Miss Alcott cannot be accorded a high
rank as a poet, — which, indeed, she never claimed
for herself, — it would be hard to deny a place in
our most select anthology to "Thoreau's Flute" or
" Transfiguration," the " Lines to my Father on his
Eighty-sixth Birthday" and " My Prayer." I have
therefore thought it well to preserve her best poems
?n connection with her life, where they properly
belong; for they are all truly autobiographical, re
vealing the inner meaning of her life.
The pecuniary success of Miss Alcott's books
enabled her to carry out her great purpose of pro
viding for the comfort and happiness of her family.
After the publication of " Little Women," she not
only received a handsome sum for every new story,
but there was a steady income from the old ones.
Her American publishers estimate that they " have
sold of her various works a million volumes, and
that she realized from them more than two him-
Louisa May Alcott.
dred thousand dollars." While ^her own tastes
were very simple, her expenses were large, for she
longed to gratify every wish of those she loved, and
she gave generously to every one in need. She
had a true sense of the value of money. Her early
poverty did not make her close in expending it,
nor her later success lavish. She never was en
slaved by debt or corrupted by wealth. She al
ways held herself superior to her fortune, and
made her means serve her highest purposes.
Of Miss Alcott's own reading she says : —
" Never a student, but a great reader. R. W. E,
gave me Goethe's works at fifteen, and they have been
my delight ever since. My library consists of Goethe,
Emerson, Shakespeare, Carlyle, Margaret Fuller, and
George Sand. George Eliot I don't care for, nor any of
the modern poets but Whittier ; the old ones — Her
bert, Crashaw, Keats, Coleridge, Dante, and a few oth
ers—I like."
She gives this account of the beginning of her
literary career : —
" This gem [' The Robin '] my proud mother preserved
with care, assuring me that if I kept on in this way I
might be a second Shakespeare in time. Fired with this
modest ambition, I continued to write poems upon dead
butterflies, lost kittens, the baby's eyes, and other simple
subjects till the story-telling mania set in ; and after
frightening my sisters out of their wits by awful tales
whispered in bed, I began to write down these histories
of giants, ogres, dauntless girls, and magic transformations
till we had a library of small paper-covered volumes illus
trated by the author. Later the poems grew gloomy and
Conclusion. 399
sentimental, and the tales more fanciful and less tragic,
lovely elves and spirits taking the places of the former
monsters."
Of her method of work she says : —
" I never had a study. Any pen and paper do, and an
old atlas on my knee is all I want. Carry a dozen plots
in my head, and think them over when in the mood.
Sometimes keep one for years, and suddenly find it all
ready to write. Often lie awake and plan whole chapters
word for word, then merely scribble them down as if
copying.
" Used to sit fourteen hours a day at one time, eating
little, and unable to stir till a certain amount was
done.
" Very few stories written in Concord ; no inspiration
in that dull place. Go to Boston, hire a quiet room and
shut myself up in it."
The following letter gives her advice to young
writers : —
To Mr. J. P. True.
CONCORD, October 24.
DEAR SIR, — I never copy or " polish," so I have no
old manuscripts to send you ; and if I had it would be of
little use, for one person's method is no rule for another.
Each must work in his own way ; and the only drill needed
is to keep writing and profit by criticism. Mind gram
mar, spelling, and punctuation, use short words, and ex
press as briefly as you can your meaning. Young people
use too many adjectives and try to " write fine." The
strongest, simplest words are best, and no foreign ones
if it can be helped.
4OO Louisa May Alcott.
Write, and print if you can ; if not, still write, and im
prove as you go on. Read the best books, and they
will improve your style. See and hear good speakers
and wise people, and learn of them. Work for twenty
years, and then, you may some day find that you have a
style and place of your own, and can command good pay
for the same things no one would take when you were
unknown.
I know little of poetry, as I never read modern attempts,
but advise any young person to keep to prose, as only
once in a century is there a true poet ; and verses are so
easy to do that it is not much help to write them. I
have so many letters like your own that I can say no
more, but wish you success, and give you for a motto
Michael Angelo's wise words : " Genius is infinite
patience."
Your friend, L. M. ALCOTT.
P. S. — The lines you send are better than many I
see ; but boys of nineteen cannot know much about
hearts, and had better write of things they understand.
Sentiment is apt to become sentimentality ; and sense is
always safer, as well as better drill, for young fancies and
feelings.
Read Ralph Waldo Emerson, and see what good prose
is, and some of the best poetry we have. I much prefer
him to Longfellow.
" Years afterward," says Mr. True, " when I had
achieved some slight success, I once more wrote,
thanking her for her advice ; and the following
letter shows the kindliness of heart with which she
extended ready recognition and encouragement
to lesser workers in her chosen field : " —
Conclusion. 401
CONCORD, Sept. 7, 1883.
MY DEAR MR. TRUE, — Thanks for the pretty book,
which I read at once and with pleasure ; for I still enjoy
boys' pranks as much as ever.
I don't remember the advice I gave you, and should
judge from this your first story that you did not need
much. Your boys are real boys ; and the girls can run,
— which is a rare accomplishment nowadays I find.
They are not sentimental either ; and that is a good ex
ample to set both your brother writers and the lasses who
read the book.
I heartily wish you success in your chosen work, and
shall always be glad to know how fast and how far you
climb on the steep road that leads to fame and fortune.
Yours truly,
L. M. ALCOTT.
Roberts Brothers, Miss Alcott's publishers for
nearly twenty years, have collected all her stories
in a uniform edition of twenty-five volumes. They
are grouped into different series according to size
and character, from her novels to " Lulu's Library "
for very small children, and may be enumerated as
follows : —
Novels (four volumes). — Work, Moods, A Modern
Mephistopheles, Hospital Sketches.
Little Women Series (eight volumes). — Little Women,-
An Old-Fashioned Girl, Little Men, Eight Cousins, Rose
in Bloom, Under the Lilacs, Jack and Jill, Jo's Boys.
Spinning- Wheel Stories Series (four volumes) . — Silver
Pitchers, Proverb Stories, Spinning- Wheel Stories, A Gar
land for Girls.
Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag (six volumes) . — My Boys, Shawl-
26
402 Louisa May Alcott.
Straps, Cupid and Chow-Chow, My Girls, Jimmy's Cruise
in the Pinafore, An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving.
Lulu's Library (three volumes).
Many of these stories were originally published
in various magazines, — the popular "St. Nicho
las," for which Miss Alcott wrote some of her best
things in her later years, the " Youth's Compan
ion," and others. Her works have been repub-
lished in England ; and through her English
publishers, Messrs. Sampson Low and Company,
of London, she has reaped the benefit of copyright
there, and they have been translated into many
languages. Her name is familiar and dear to the
children of Europe, and they still read her books
with the same eagerness as the children of her
own land.
This extract from a letter written by the trans
lator of Miss Alcott's books into Dutch will show
how she is esteemed in Holland : -
" Miss Alcott was and is so much beloved here by her
books, that you could scarce find a girl that had not read
one or more of them. Last autumn I gave a translation of
' Lulu's Library' that appeared in November, 1887;
the year before, a collection of tales and Christmas stories
that appeared under the name of ' Gandsbloempje '
(' Dandelion'). Yesterday a young niece of mine was
here, and said, ' Oh, Aunt, how I enjoyed those stories !
but the former of " Meh Meh " I still preferred.' A
friend wrote : ' My children are confined to the sick
room, but find comfort in Alcott's "Under the Lilacs." '
Her fame here was chiefly caused by her ' Little Women '
Conclusion. 403
and { Little Women Wedded/ which in Dutch were called
'Under Moedervleugels ' ('Under Mother's Wings')
and 'Op Eigen Wieken ' ('With Their Own Wings').
Her 'Work' was translated as ' De Hand van den
Ploey' ('The Hand on the Plough')."
How enduring the fame of Louisa M. Alcott will
be, time only can show; but if to endear oneself
to two generations of children, and to mould their
minds by wise counsel in attractive form entitle
an author to the lasting gratitude of her country,
that praise and reward belong to LOUISA MAY
ALCOTT.
TERMINUS.
It is time to be old,
To take in sail :
The god of bounds,
Who sets to seas a shore,
Came to me in his fatal rounds,
And said, " No more !
No farther shoot
Thy broad ambitious branches, and thy root;
Fancy departs : no more invent,
Contract thy firmament
To compass of a tent.
There 's not enough for this and that,
Make thy option which of two ;
Economize the failing river,
Not the less revere the Giver ;
Leave the many, and hold the few,
Timely wise, accept the terms ;
Soften the fall with wary foot:
A little while
Still plan and smile,
404 Louisa May Alcott.
And, fault of novel germs,
Mature the unfallen fruit."
As the bird trims her to the gale,
I trim myself to the storm of time ;
I man the rudder, reef the sail,
Obey the voice at eve obeyed at prime :
Lowly faithful, banish fear,
Right onward drive unharmed ;
The port, well worth the cruise, is near,
And every wave is charmed.
EMERSON.
University Press : John Wilson and Son, Cambridge.
LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S WRITINGS.
Miss Alcott is really a benefactor of households. — H. H.
Miss Alcott has a faculty of entering into the lives and feelings of children
that is conspicuously wanting in most writers who address them ; and to this
cause, to the consciousness among her readers that they are hearing about
people like themselves, instead of abstract qualities labelled with names, the
popularity of her books is due. — MRS. SARAH J. HALE.
Dear Aunt Jo ! You are embalmed in the thoughts and loves of thou
sands of little men and women. — EXCHANGE.
Little Women ; or Meg, Jo,
Beth, and Amy. With illustra
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Hospital Sketches, and Camp
and Fireside Stories. With
illustrations. i6mo
An Old-Fashioned Girl. With
illustrations. i6mo
Little Men: Life at Plumfield with
Jo's Boys. With illustrations. i6mo
Jo's Boys and How they Turned
Out. A sequel to u Little Men."
With portrait of "Aunt Jo." i6mo
Eight Cousins ; or, The Aunt-Hill.
With illustrations. i6mo .
Rose in Bloom. A sequel to
" Eight Cousins." i6mo .
Under the Lilacs. With illustra
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Jack and Jill. A Village Story.
With illustrations. i6mo . . .
Work : A Story of Experience.
With character illustrations by Sol
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Moods. A Novel. New edition,
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A Modern Mephistopheles, and
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Silver Pitchers, and Indepen
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i6mo
Proverb Stories. New edition, re
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Spinning-Wheel Stories. With
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A Garland for Girls, and Other
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An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiv
ing, &c. Sixth volume of Aunt
Jo's Scrap-Bag. i6mo .... i.oo
Little Women. Illustrated. Em
bellished with nearly 200 charac
teristic illustrations from original
designs drawn expressly for this
edition of this noted American
Classic. One small quarto, bound
in cloth, with emblematic designs 2.50
Little Women Series Compris
ing Little Women ; Little Men ;
Eight Cousins ; Under the Lilacs ;
An Old-Fashioned Girl ; Jo's
Boys ; Rose in Bloom ; Jack and
Jill. 8 large i6mo volumes in a
handsome box 12.00
Miss Alcott's novels in uniform bind
ing in sets. Moods; Work Hos
pital Sketches ; A Modern Mephis
topheles, and A Whisper in the
Dark. 4 volumes. i6mo . . . 6.00
Lulu's Library. Vols. I., II.,
III. A collection of New Stories.
i6mo i.oo
These books are for sale at all bookstores, or will be mailed, post-paid, on
receipt of price, to any address.
ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
Boston, Mass.
LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S FAMOUS BOOKS
" Sing, Tessa ; sing ! " cried Tommo, twanging away with all his might. — PAGE 47.
AUNT JO'S SCRAP-BAG: Containing "My Boys,"
"Shawl-Straps," "Cupid and Chow-Chow," " My Girls," "Jimmy's
Cruise in the Pinafore," "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving." 6 vol.s.
Price of each, $1.00.
ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,, Boston.
LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S STORY BOOKS.
FROM "SPINNING-WHEEL STORIES.'
THE SPINNING-WHEEL SERIES:
SILVER PITCHERS, and Other Stories.
PROVERB STORIES.
SPINNING-WHEEL STORIES.
A GARLAND FOR GIRLS, and Other Stories.
4 volumes. Cloth. Price, $1.25 each.
ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
BOSTON*
LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S STORY-BOOKS,
A CHRISTMAS DREAM.
LULU'S LIBRARY.
COLLECTION OF STORIES BY "AUNT JO,
With Illustrations by JESSIE MCDERMOTT.
3 vo\s. I6mo. Cloth. Price, $1.00 per volume.
ROBERTS BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
BOSTON.
NOVELS AND STORIES
BY
LOUISA M. ALCOTT.
WORK. A Story of Experience. With Illustrations by
SOL EYTINGE.
This story relates, in many of its most important features and
incidents, to actual experiences of its author; and in "Christie"
we find the views and ideas of Miss Alcott herself expressed in
such a way as to make them most interesting and valuable.
MOODS. A Novel.
Although this story was originally written at a time when its
author's powers and years were far from fully matured, it was in
its first form indicative of great power. It was revised and partly
rewritten after she had attained a full maturity, and after actual
experience with }ife had broadened and rounded out her mental
vision, so that it now stands as the first-born and dearest to her
of her novels.
A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. A Story.
This story was written for the " No Name Series," in which it
originally appeared, and consequently was intended to be disguised.
It is a surprise that Miss Alcott could have written this volume ; not that it is
inferior, but that it varies from her usual tone and theme so much. Yet her plot
is ingenious, and there is dramatic design well worked out. As we read, knowing
now who the author is (the story was first published anonymously), we recognize
the grace of her style and the art of her workmanship. Its tone and, above all,
its lofty moral purpose are hers. Plots differ, appearances are changed ; but some
of the deep traits of the true nature of Miss Alcott are in the book. Being dead
she yet liveth. — Public Opinion.
HOSPITAL SKETCHES, and Camp and Fireside Stories.
With Illustrations.
These stories and sketches were written at the time of the Civil
War, in which the author took part as a nurse in one of the hospi
tals, and show some of the many minor side scenes that help to
make up that great conflict.
Four volumes. 161110. Cloth. $1.50 per volume.
Sold everywhere. Mailed, post-paid, on receipt of price by the publishers,
ROBERTS BROTHERS, BOSTON.
LOUISA M, ALCOTT'S FAMOUS BOOKS
LITTLE MEN; OR, LIFE AT PLUMFIELD WITH
BOYS. Price, $1.50.
ROBERTS BROTHERS. Publisher*
Jo's
LOUISA M. ALCOTT'S FAMOUS BOOKS,.
WALTON RICKETSON, SCULP.
^U
JO'S BOYS, AND HOW THEY TURNED OUT. A
sequel to " Little Men.'* With a new portrait of " Aunt
Jo." Price, $1.50.
EGBERTS BROTHERS, Publishers, Boston,
SUSAN COOLIDGE'S
POPULAR STORY BOOKS.
SUSAN COOLIDGE has always possessed the affection of her yoang readers,
for it seems as if she had the happy instinct of planning stories that each girl
would like to act out in reality. — The Critic.
Susan Coolidge's books need no commending j they are as tempting as they
are sweet and pure. She knows how to make attractive everything she touches ;
and good literature, good English, does not suffer at her hands, while the refine
ment of tone and moral fibre are all that could be desired. — The Literary
World.
Not even Miss Alcott apprehends child nature with finer sympathy, or pic
tures its nobler traits with more skill. — Boston Daily Advertiser.
THE NEW YEAR'S BARGAIN. A Christmas Story for
Children. With Illustrations by ADDIE LEDYARD. i6mo. $1.25.
WHAT KATY DID. A Story. With Illustrations by ADDIE
LEDYARD. i6mo. $1.25.
WHAT KATY DID AT SCHOOL. Being more about
"What Katy Did." With Illustrations. i6mo. $1.25.
MISCHIEF'S THANKSGIVING, and other Stories. With
Illustrations by ADDIE LEDYARD. i6mo. $1.25.
NINE LITTLE GOSLINGS. With Illustrations by J. A.
MITCHELL. i6mo. $1.25.
EYEBRIGHT. A Story. With Illustrations. i6mo. $1.25.
CROSS PATCH. With Illustrations. i6mo. $1.25.
A ROUND DOZEN. With Illustrations. i6mo. $1.25.
A LITTLE COUNTRY GIRL. With Illustrations. i6mo.
$1.25.
WHAT KATY DID NEXT. With Illustrations. i6mo. $1.25.
CLOVER. A Sequel to the Katy Books. With Illustrations by
JESSIE McDERMOTT. i6mo. $1.25.
JUST SIXTEEN. With Illustrations. i6mo. $1.25.
A GUERNSEY LILY; or, How the Feud was Healed. A
Story of the Channel Islands. Profusely Illustrated. One
small quarto volume, bound in illuminated cloth. $2.00.
Sold by all booksellers. Mailed, post-paid, on receipt of price, by
the publishers^
ROBERTS BROTHERS, BOSTON.
PFTIIPN riPrill ATION DEPARTMENT
RETURN CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT
TO—* 202 Main Library
LOAN PERIOD 1
HOME USE
2
3
4
5
6
ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS
PT.N: ID LECHARGES MAY BE MADE 4 DAYS PRIOR TO OU€ DATE.
LOAN t-'fci-tlOL'i AF.E 1-MONTH. 3-MONTHS. AND 1-YEAR.
RENEWALS: CALL (415) 642-3405
DUE AS STAMPED BELOW
JIM OS 1990
REC.CiRC. DEC l': 1934
0 2
AUTO. DISC.
JUL 1 3 1
—
FEB031993
DEPT.
MAR 2 R 1999
T!
\ :
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELE